henry george

Gemmill seems to have a bias in favour of players (however limited) who can put in a "shift" rather than accommodating ball players who can do something special and open up defences but whose work ethic falls below his exacting standards. Lowry must wonder why he bothered showing up for the squad and Josh Adam wasn't even in the squad despite being outstanding against France U19's last year.

Great performance and great result. Despite their 75% possession and 16 shots to our two, as I saw it, there was only one team in it!.............................................To be fair, I might have had sherry or two during the game!

2-0 up at half time. I know we've had only 2 chances and scored both but we've played pretty well. I've never been a fan of Scott Gemmill but credit where credit's due - good team performance so far.

It's on the SFA youtube channel.

Drew 0-0 with Bulgaria in their first qualifying game. Fairly even match which we probably edged but couldn't argue with the score. Workmanlike performances from nearly all Scots on show with our No.10 (Watson) probably the pick of the bunch. For those harbouring high hopes of Ryan One, I'm afraid he was pretty poor and hooked at half time. Rory Wilson also very quiet.

I think we played a lot better in the first half than the previous match and completely dominated. Second half (after several changes) the situation was reversed with N ireland totally dominant until the last 10 minutes. Was impressed with the boys, Glasgow (Hearts) and Smith (Rangers).

I watched the second half and we were fortunate not to get a much heavier defeat against a clearly superior Irish side (what are they doing well, that we're not!). This, combined with the poor showing of the U17's the other week (failed at the 1st qualification stage) must raise questions about the quality of recruitment and coaching at the performance schools.

Overall, I thought it was pretty disjointed stuff. The centre backs didn't seem to impose themselves and the wing backs didn't offer much of a threat going forward. Some impressive touches from Lowry but he needs to learn that the answer to any problem is not always a flick or a stepover. Mulligan ran his heart out but every move seemed to end with his involvement. Bowie played well and was probably the pick on the night. We made that look very difficult which it shouldn't have been.

We should get Mark Wotte back in to manage the U21's and the U19's. At least he'd get them playing football and...importantly....he's available!

Good article here about the Croatian coaching system. https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-croatia-idUKKBN1O61P5

Not a Dons fan so can't vouch for his club form but his international form was always pretty solid. 9 caps - only 1 defeat In only one game did we ship more than 1 goal (and he wasn't on the pitch for the Dutch second goal) As a one-off, he could certainly be an option to deal with the threat of Shane Duffy in the reverse fixture.

One thing I find particularly worrying is the number of goals we concede from crosses. You'd think that this would be bread and butter to 3 centre backs but seemingly not. Hanley, Hendry, Cooper, McKenna, none of them seem particularly good in the air. I never understood why we got rid of big Declan - never let us down and, by far, our best header of a ball.

Although, without Tierney, it would be tempting to go with a back 4, in reality there are no wide players in the squad so it's probably 3-5-1-1 by default. I'd rest McGregor (looked tired on Wednesday) and bring in Turnbull to play off the (hopefully) lone striker. Gordon Souttar Hanley Mckenna Ralston McTominay Gilmour McGinn Roberston Turnbull Adams

I don't know what they teach at the performance schools but they need to concentrate a lot more on ball control and ball retention. We were playing park football most of the night - just kick it anywhere. very poor.

U19's lose their opening match in the qualifying round.....3-2 to Armenia!!!😱 Good start to international week.😲

Well, in terms of strikers vying for selection it has to Tony Watt's night. 2 goals for him this evening whilst both Shankland and Nisbett got hooked in their respective matches.

Ground out a result but, overall, N Ireland were the better side. Our passing was very poor and although the front 3 looked useful (with Doak the pick of the bunch) they were effectively starved of any service. Can't believe that's the best defence/midfield we can put out at this level.

Can't see Clarke not picking at least 3 strikers for such an important game and, given that Nisbet has done nothing to date to indicate he can play at this level it make sense to have a replacement striker on the bench. Have only seen Grant on goal highlights but looks an interesting option. If he's up for playing for us, I'd pick him.

I thought we were very poor with only Ashby and Kelly getting pass marks. Watching the U21's has been a painful experience these past few years. Gemmill's tactics seem to be simply "give me a shift and, if you get the ball, panic!" Dreadful stuff to watch.😌

We need goals so, for me, both Turnbull and Fraser have to start. Marshall McTominey Hanley Tierney Patterson/Hickey Gilmour Jack Robertson Turnbull Fraser Adams Squad-wise I'd drop Fleck and McLean who don't really add anything unique to the squad and bring in Gauld and Lewis Ferguson (who brings a degree of physicality that we don't have at the moment!)

Zero chance of this being the line up but here goes; Marshall McTominay Hanley Tierney Forrest Gilmour McGinn Robertson Turnbull Fraser Adams

Only concern is the McGregor/McLean partnership in midfield. Not much ball winning ability in there. We shouldn't need it........but we just might!!!

I think the only way Clarke will move McTominay forward is if we discover a ball playing centre back in the Souttar/Jack Hendry mould; someone who doesn't get a nose bleed if they cross the half way line and is comfortable in possession. Neither Hanley or Cooper fit that bill. Jack Hendry? There's still time for him to force his way into the team.

Agree with this and, whilst our back four is our weak point we need a holding midfielder to screen the back four...question is who? Jack plays as a box to box midfielder for the Gers (with Davis sitting behind him) so ithe holding role is not his natural (or best) position. Long term I see Lewis Ferguson performing this role (he does it for the U21s) but for the play offs I'd go with Mulgrew - he's done it before and I think there's a case for one last hurrah before the baton passes onto Ferguson.