It's been a long four months since that disappointing international break in June but Scotland are back in action this week. And Steve Clarke's team need three big performances against Ukraine and Ireland if they are to win Group 1 and open that back door into Euro 2024.
It was a damaging summer for Clarke and his side who saw their hopes of a spot at Qatar go up in smoke while a damaging defeat in Ireland brought the Scots back down to earth. But they're a resilient lot this squad and they'll be out to show that with two clashes against Ukraine and the return clash with the Irish now on the agenda to bounce back.
They'll have to do it without skipper Andy Robertson as his injury has left Jurgen Klopp short of left-back options at Liverpool. Otherwise though it's as you were for Clarke as he looks to get his troops firing again for another stab at a major tournament in two years' time.
Here's what the Scotland players have been up to.
Craig Gordon : Showing no signs of ageing at Hearts as he approaches his 40th birthday and picked up his first Premiership clean sheet of the season against Motherwell. Undoubtedly still Scotland's No.1.
Liam Kelly : Was in the opposing goal for that one and the 26-year-old has been an important part of Motherwell's decent form under Steven Hammell. Might be the long-term replacement for Gordon and but won't find minutes easy to come by this month.
Jon McLaughlin : Hasn't played for Rangers since dropping a couple of clangers against Ajax and now has work to do to unseat Allan McGregor again.
Grant Hanley : The Norwich captain was sent off on the opening day of the season but has recovered despite that shakey start. Has marshalled the Canaries to six straight wins, most recently over Bristol City.
Jack Hendry : Embarking on quite the globetrotting career but still only has one Cremonese appearance to his name since heading to Serie A. Hasn't played much football this season and that might work against his Scotland chances.
Aaron Hickey : Brentford's first-choice right-back these days, Hickey has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water since joining Brentford and continues to build on his formidable reputation. Started every game since signing for the Bees.
Scott McKenna : Been a regular for a struggling Nottingham Forest team as he's retained his place despite more than 20 new signings under Steve Cooper. Conceded plenty of goals but consistently playing Premier League football might put him in with a starting chance for at least one of the three games.
Nathan Patterson : Finally starting to make his mark under Frank Lampard and was the best player on the pitch in their win over West Ham - their first of the season after five straight draws. No doubt the starting right-back.
Ryan Porteous : Never far from the headlines whether it's for the right or the wrong reasons and was accused by Jim Goodwin of cheating to get Liam Scales sent off against Aberdeen. Viewed by Clarke as one for the future and might have to wait for his senior debut.
Anthony Ralston : Returned to the Celtic side that shockingly lost to St Mirren with Josip Juranovic rested. Only started once previously but has done enough to retain his place in Clarke's squad.
Greg Taylor : Probably the favourite to take Robertson's place at left wing-back unless Clarke decides to move Kieran Tierney out there. Been one of Celtic's best players this season and goes from strength to strength.
Kieran Tierney : With Oleksandar Zinchenko injured, he started for Mikel Arteta in the 3-0 win over Brentford and looked razor sharp. Still a guaranteed starter for Scotland - especially with Robertson out.
Stuart Armstrong : Had to settle for a spot on the bench for the most part this season but has been used in all-but one of Southampton's Premier League games. An experienced head who offers a lot to his country.
Billy Gilmour : Was given his Brighton debut off the bench against Leicester but they haven't played since with their two games postponed following the Queen's death. Clarke will be hoping he can force himself into the side under a new manager after the international break.
Ryan Jack : Not quite one of the first names on the team sheet but has been a regular in the Rangers starting XI. Started the win over Dundee United as they stopped the rot and signed off for the break with a win.
John McGinn : Took the Aston Villa captaincy from Tyrone Mings and gained huge plaudits for his battling performance against Southampton. A favourite of Steven Gerrard's as they look to turn things around but hasn't scored a goal since his strike against Armenia.
Callum McGregor : Captain fantastic for Celtic, it wasn't his best day in the defeat to St Mirren in Paisley but he's allowed one off day after 364 days without a league defeat.
Kenny McLean : Played every minute for Norwich as they've recovered from a disastrous start to win six on the spin. A key man for the Canaries and Clarke likes to lean on his experience.
Scott McTominay : Has made an impression on Erik ten Hag and played every minute of Manchester United's four-game winning run. four Premier League bookings already including one in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal - their last game before postponements against Crystal Palace and Leeds.
David Turnbull : Competition for places in the Celtic midfield has been as tough as it gets with McGregor, Matt O'Riley and Reo Hatate seemingly now the starting trio. But Turnbull is knocking on the door and has still racked up plenty of minutes - including one in their shock defeat in Paisley.
Che Adams : His double to seal an impressive comeback against Leicester remain his only Premier League goals this season but the quality and significance of that one-two punch has banked him plenty of credit. He netted against Armenia back in June and will be hoping to add to his six Scotland goals this month.
Jacob Brown : Been a first-team regular in a mixed start for Stoke city and netted against Blackpool and Middlesbrough earlier in the season. Two goals in nine Championship games might be something of a false stat though considering he's played off the wing in recent weeks.
Ryan Christie : Was in and out of the Bournemouth team but his return to playing regularly has coincided with their turnaround since Scott Parker's sacking.
Lyndon Dykes: He's getting game time under Michael Beale, however, only one goal so far this season despite some decent, as expected, hold-up play.
Ryan Fraser: He started for Newcastle against his former club Bournemouth but was subbed after 71 minutes for Jacob Murphy
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