That familiarity breeds contempt towards managers can be unfair. That certainly applies to Steve Clarke, who has raised levels with Scotland to the point where qualifying for tournaments has become reality as opposed to a pipe dream. Clarke has been the head coach to end years in the international wilderness.
There is, however, a slightly ominous feel around the Scotland setup once more. Defeat by Greece – a rising force – can happen. What should not transpire is the comprehensive thumping dished out at Hampden Park on Sunday. Scotland looked utterly unprepared for what they faced. Theirs was a ragged, disjointed display.
