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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Matthew Lindsay

Steve Clarke's key calls ahead of Scotland game against Ukraine

Scotland can top Group B1, secure a Euro 2024 play-off spot and win promotion to the A League if they beat Ukraine in their final Nations League match in Krakow, Poland tonight. 

But manager Steve Clarke has lost no ferwer than 16 players ahead of the game in the Cracovia Stadium and his squad has been hit by a virus in recent days. 

He has some selection headaches ahead of the rematch with the Euro 2020 quarter-finalists - here are some of them.

Stephen Kingsley, Ryan Jack and Declan GallagherSNS

CENTRE HALF

The loss of Grant Hanley, Scott McKenna and Scott McTominay means that Steve Clarke has a big call to make at centre half.

Does Declan Gallagher, Stephen Kingsley or Ryan Porteous come in alongside Jack Hendry against Ukraine in Krakow?

Kingsley and Porteous have been playing well for Hearts and Hibernian respectively. But St Mirren man Gallagher has more international experience and should get the nod.

He was outstanding in the Euro 2020 play-off final against Serbia in Belgrade and Clarke will be hoping for a repeat performance.

Stephen Kingsley, Ryan Jack and Declan GallagherSNS

BILLY GILMOUR

Scott McTominay was preferred to Billy Gilmour in the Nations League games against Ukraine and Republic of Ireland last week because the latter has only played a few minutes of competitive football this season.

Will Clarke start the Brighton player tonight now that the Manchester United man has picked up a suspension? He could play Ryan Jack or Kenny McLean in central midfield next to Callum McGregor.

The Scotland manager may be tempted to field the youngster despite his lack of game time given his exceptional performances for his country last season.

Stephen Kingsley, Ryan Jack and Declan GallagherSNS

ADAMS OR DYKES

The decision on who to play as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation could be taken out of Steve Clarke’s hands this evening.

Both Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes have been hit by the virus which has swept through the Scotland squad in recent days.

Adams trained yesterday while Dykes did not. The Southampton forward should be preferred even if the Queens Park Rangers player declares himself fit.

Putting the former Queen of the South and Livingston target man on as a late substitute certainly worked well at Hampden last Wednesday – he scored two goals in a 3-0 victory.

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