Caledonian Craig

Well to them I would say that Clarke stuck to five at the back as it was the most successful system to integrate both Tierney and Robertson into the same side. Well if Tiernwy is out then the system simply does not work. Cooper or McKenna are no Kieran Tierney in the left centre-back position and they should not be expected to be as they are totally different players. Just as five at the back ensured we had our best players on the pitch then now four at the back does the same.

If, as is quite possible, Hickey, Patterson and Tierney are all ruled out through injury I think we should go to four at the back. The wing-back system only benefits us with the Tierney/Robertson pivot and we are weakened greatly trying to play the same system without Tierney. Porteous has (I think) played as a right-back for Watford this season and Hendry and McKenna as centre-backs with Robertson at left-back. Midfield of five consisting of Christie, McTominay, McGinn, Gilmour and McGregor with Shankland or Dykes or Adams up front.

Whilst others would win F all.

Moyes still won a European trophy and will probably be favourite with press to be the next Scotland manager.

So you think that crisis was worse than this? Bearing in mind we have doubts over Armstrong, Gilmour and one or two others walking the injury tightrope plus Ferguson ruled out too.

No because vast majority do not play wing-back where our problems are. And why tevisit players who have stated a burning drsire to represent England who are alteady in yheir squads?

I still fully expect posts on here calling for Clarke's head for anything from not selecting MLS players Gauld and Morgan or likes of McBurnie and England brigade players. It will happen of that I am sure.

This is definitely the worst injury crisis we have had going into a major tournament (World Cup or Euros). Unbelievable how many key players we have been deprived of and are carrying knocks.

A bit of good news on the injury fronnt at last. Cheers for that. Meanwhile, have no return date set for Ben Doak so that suggests he is still a long way off a return.

Ah yes and Beckham recovered in time to play some part as there were more medical updates on the news than you get about royalty.

Wasn't it Beckham with metatarsal.

We have proven on our day we can win against top notch sides in the last two years or so. For evidence of that look to our wins against Spain, Denmark and Ukraine. However, that was with us with a full strength side and everyone on form.

Agreed. I am hoping Scots are not duped into voting Labour by their promise it is the only way to get rid of the Tories. That is just utter BS. Labour could fail to win a seat in Scotland they'd still win a majority at Westminster.

I am much like you. We had the potential to get out of the group as, when all things fall right for us, we are a really decent side. That needs us to be at full strength with all our key players in form and putting in good performances for us and being in good form for their clubs. All of that has not really happened over the last six months. With a bit of luck and things going our way we may get lucky and still progress. Here's hoping.

If Hanley is back to fitness he will be as well as Fraser. Pretty good chance McCrorie will make it as back up to Hickey in case he breaks down. This would take it up to 23. If it is to be 26 then I'd name another striker so maybe McBurnie or Conway. If Doak is fit have him along as a wildcard and I have a feeling Greg Taylor would then make it to make up the 26.