Deep down there’s a part of Steve Clarke that revels in his reputation as Scotland’s grumpy gaffer. But heaven knows there’s plenty of reasons to be miserable now as his plans for a 40th bash in Poland have gone to pot.
Nations League Group A is in the nation’s sights – yet Clarke is going to have to do it with the B Team. It won’t be a problem for the manager though if the B stands for Belgrade. Clarke is right up against it in Krakow ahead of the clash with Ukraine, with half a squad either crocked, banned or laid low with a bug. He counted 16 players from his extended list who won’t be available to help him clock up his 40th match in charge of the country.
Premier League stars such as Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Scott McTominay, Nathan Patterson and Scott McKenna are all among those who will be watching from the sidelines while the likes of Ryan Fraser, Greg Taylor, Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams have been hit by the virus that’s swept through the camp. Talk about bad timing.
