weekevie04

Great post, Parkster!

I have too, haha. I have thought it for a good while too. Both are outstanding players, but KT offers that bit more, IMO.

Shame we don't have friendlies soon, haha, as I'd love to try them both flitting between RWB and LWB. I honestly think Tierney is the better player - he can tackle, pass, belts a cross, a turn of pace. Robertson is brilliant too, and both of them have to play for us.

I think he has really come on to a game of late. I really like the lad, and its obvious it means a lot to him playing for us. I feared after the Russian and Belgian games, he probably wasn't good enough for that step up, but he's certainly proved his worth the unbeaten run and IMO, he's a better option than Palmer and O'Donnell is our natural right back. He has better ball distribution, quicker thinking on the ball too. Well done that man!

Also, Russia is huge! Surely somewhere like France, Spain or England should host it. Smallish countries in size, and decent transport links. Germany would be best with itis excellent transport - but its got 2024 anyway.

Fair dues, and each to their own.

I'm baffled by that. Realy? They just beat Slovakia 3-2 last month away ; were pretty even-steven against us, if not slightly better in the semi final. They are very rarely scudded by anyone either. They will give us a tough game on Wednesday without a shadow of a doubt.

Agree, and Israel have proven to be a decent side. Some result they got in Slovakia last month after being 2-0 down at half-time too, so there's plenty of time for them to get some form of a result. As dissapointing as today was - score wise - we've had our fair share of luck in this group with the Czech C team Covid scare, and our win against them at home, we were very fortunate it, so maybe it does even itself all out.

1-0 Czechia. So, you'd imagine we'll have to do it the 'right' way and win in Tel Aviv on Wednedsay.

ears Team Apps (Gls) 2013–2015 Bradford City 15 (0) 2015 → Chester (loan) 4 (1) 2015 → Chester (loan) 10 (4) 2015–2019 Swansea City 58 (22) 2015 → Newport County (loan) 3 (3) 2016 → Bristol Rovers (loan) 5 (0) 2018 → Barnsley (loan) 17 (9) 2019– Sheffield United 43 (6) National team‡ 2014–2015 Scotland U19[4] 4 (1) 2015–2017 Scotland U21[5] 12 (2) 2018– Scotland[6] 12 (0)

They are two very different players ; but I'd pick Griff every day over McBurnie. McBurnie knocks on a header to space or an opposition player. Griffiths knocks on a header more than usual to a player on his side. McBurnie runs about a lot, and takes two or three touches more than any £20m footballer should before scuffing a shot at goal or more than usually gets tackled, ball taken off him or a scuffed shot. Griffiths runs a fair bit, and rarely takes two or three touches before attempting a shot at goal - often hitting the target. Good luck to McBurnie and nothing against him personally, but I am of the opinion in 15 odd games, he should be nowhere near starting for us.

Overall, that was a decent-ish performance from a Scotland B team. I thought we looked decent in large spells of that game. The ref wasn't great at all - lots of sneaky and dirty fouls by the Slovaks and of course they are the first to go down like they are shot for a 50/50 ball. It also shows that without key players, we are rather limited. My only criticism of Clarke is tediously slow at making changes. 70th minute to make his first change is ridiculous. And then give Shankland about 5 minutes is poor, IMO. Palmer isn't a good enough starter. I'd argue it would be touch and go even including him in a 23 man squad. Tierney was very good, and if him or Andy get injured, I'm sure he can play left back/wing back and some decent crosses in to the box. McGinn was a wee bit out of sorts, albeit with a few dangerous runs - probably strange having him play all game as well considering his efforts on Thursday. As for McBurnie, and sorry if this is harsh, but I really never want to see him start a game for us again unless its against San Marino or Gibraltar. He's fine to throw on if we are 2-0 up and to see the game out ; but he's hopeless, and if we had Dykes starting, we may well have won that game. Whilst Griffiths didn't have a great game, he did create two or three chances in his 20 minutes on the pitch, and is much better at holding up the ball. A missed opportunity, TBH. They weren't great either, although looked half dangerous on the counter when we were overexposed. A shame we didn't get something from that, but we have had our fair share of luck in this group - the two Czech games really so maybe it works itself out in the end. Wouldn't mind a draw tonight between the other two and we can hopefully win the group.

What game hae you been watching? This is basically a B side, and we're doing very well.

We have been really good so far, the better side and one of our better performances under Clarke considering all the changes. McBurnie - just don't see it. He gets in to good positions , but its like his brain is too slow to figure out what he's meant to do and far too often after a brilliant build up, the play just breaks down when it goes to him. Christie is good, but far too often his crosses/free kicks hit the wall. He's playing well though and making some clever runs and passes. Tierney is a class act. So confident and clever on and off the ball. Although not keen on the diving. Palmer, sorry I just don't see it. Constantly over hitting crosses, passes and out of position once or twice. A good back up to have, but I think Stephen O'Donnell has pushed on of late and should be the natural right back. Very unfortunate to be behind.

Great post. Clarke is such a likeable man and brilliant coach. He is a cool cat and stuck to his plans with the 5/3 at the back. Lyndon Dykes, Stephen O'Donnell, Declan Gallagher would never have played/started under McLeish or Strachan ; they would always play the English lower league player over lads from the SPFL. That is a sweet achievement too. We all heard the likes of Souness, Craig Burley, Charlie Nicholas - people who have no clue about our domestic game coming out with the twee, hack, cliché about the players not being there etc.

THE BIG HOOSE MUST STAY OPEN!!!!

These videos are fantastic. The players' twitter accounts are great too. Such a likable bunch of lads. I know someone who kens someone (aye, it sounds pish but it's not) who works at Arsenal (the pal's pal is Scottish too) and he said when KT was out for ages or dropping out of squads, he was dying to play for us, but just didn't want to injure or set back his progress to full fitness. His words "He would be anywhere for Scotland, in goal if asked." I'm not one for moaning about singing the anthem, but they were all belting it out last night. Tierney was probably the most subdued, but his mouth was moving to it. These guys can be heroes. They already are, but next summer will be tremendous. A lot of hype, but just seeing all the daily shows and updates. Stories like SOD, Gallagher and Considine (winning his first cap at 33, and being at a Euros, hopefully). I've been over the moon all day. Had a wee bity of a hangover, but just absolutely buzzing. It's such a silly thing too. Something we have no control over - watching 11 vs 11 at fitba - yet, it is such an emotional roller-coaster and bond. I've had messages from pal's both from abroad too - they know how much it means to us just getting to a major tournament. Buzzing, and I don't even think a scudding from Slovakia could bring me down!

Fantastic wee clip, Craig! It's brilliant seeing our men's and women's side qualifying for tournaments. Everyone was superb last night. Albeit, and feels a bit harsh for singling him out, but McBurnie again was pish. He was fairly alright against the Czech Rep when he came on, but really don't rate him at all as a player. I don't watch enough EPL or Sheffield United, but don't see the fuss at all. Dykes is 100% and does everything that McBurnie is meant to do but so much better. I'm so happy for Stephen O'Donnell. He's had his critics, and after the Russia game(s) I just felt this was possibly a level too high for him, e.g he'd be alright against Estonia, Lithuania etc but struggle against very good sides, but really wanted it to work out for him and so happy his last four games he's been outstanding. I worry about him defensively at times, but he's a clever player and can spot a great pass. Can tell by his attitude in interviews, belting out FOS how much it means to him playing for Scotland. I'd keep him as our natural right-back. Ryan Jack as well. A superb couple of performances from him. Really hitting his peak of late. Such a vital addition to the team. Only wee, and it's a tiny criticism, is he occasionally gives the ball away after winning it or breaking down an oppositions pass. McGregor - he has been superb of late. He has his critics, but his intelligence, skill and pace are vital to the team. Tierney was brilliant too. He's so composed on the ball, and a good defender. Such an asset to have someone who can play as part of a back 5 or a left/wing-back. Gallagher - just fantastic. He had Mitrovic in his pocket the whole game. Amazing, just a shame he isn't 4-5 years younger, by no means ancient and seems very fit, and still only 28 so hopefully get 4-5 years more service out of him. All for redemption too and second chances. Just fantastic, all of them! Still high as a kite on fresh air and last night.

Likewise, Taylor. He could have played for England. They really wanted him, but he opted for us. Lad turns up, and turning in to one of the first names on the team sheet. I'm not against people of the diaspora playing for us - I love Dykes and McTominay.

Absolute brilliant! They've been great banter, and so gracious towards us. If there are any Serbs on here, cheers and hopefully you'll get to the next Euros and the World Cup - that's some squad you've got, and it will click. Sláinte/Živeli

Love the lad. Love his for want of a better word 'cheeky' (Hi Berti!) nature and his confidence. He is a terrific player. His hold up play is magnificent, he's so good and winning headers, flick on's and he's basically a 100% better version of what McBurnie is meant to offer us. Delighted he choose his parents homeland.

Hello! Hope you return again, FE. Good to hear from you! Still here, and finally a chance to see Scotland at a Euro tournament and the auld age of 38! Can't believe it.

The whole day/week, I kept trying to tell myself, don't get carried away. I'm 38 and at one point, see us get in those position before e.g one game away from the Euros - humped by Holland and then the Italian game in 2007. I kept thinking it was too big a task for us to go to Belgrade, and get a result considering their players. Kept telling myself, we'll play well but lose 2-0 or so. Closer it got to kick off, I needed a drink, I've never felt like I needed a drink ever in my life but I was so jittery and nervous. I've not been steaming for well - a few hours now - but, afore that it was probably last year, or even 2019 in the summer at a wedding. The drink helped to calm the nerves, but what a performance. That's possibly the best I've seen us play away since maybe Lithuania away under Strachan. I've just been over the moon all day, keep watching videos, clips, reading the papers, and then putting some songs on. So delighted for everyone. All of us. The players like Stephen O'Donnell, Declan Gallagher, Andy Considine, Lydon Dykes - the unfancied crew and they are great big GIFRUY to the likes of Davie Provan or other Anglo-Scots at Sky who think we didn't have the players. We do have the players, and we're now 9 games undefeated! Delighted for the fans too, sorry for the ones who didn't live to see this, but just on cloud nine really. Haven't felt this alive in a long, long time. God bless the SPFL too. About 2 years ago, I stopped watching the EPL religiously. I'll still watch it now and again but I'm fine just having seen the goals or MOTD or the odd game ; but been watching a lot of lower league Scottish football and think this for them too, all of us, all those who wrote us off, the Guvnors are even jokingly at it about us being knocked out by them etc, just so, so happy!

Euros final for the winner!

Outstanding. A real road to redemption too with his legal battle. My pal played amateur football with him (when he was still banned from professional football) and said the boy was unbelievably talented and a brilliant defender. We could be the team of the Euros wit him, SOD, and Considine - he HAS to go and hopefully play, after winning his first cap at 33. Anyhoos, only worry about big Declan is him losing the heid like he does occasionally for the Steelmen especially in Europe when they were playing brilliant in Israel ; but for Scotland, he's done everything asked of. Love it and so delighted for him and the team.