mrniaboc

It'll also be interesting to see who wins the ball back now that McGinn is absent

I think it's worth a mention how solid Tierney and Robbo have been in their presence in the Scotland squads. Often it's the "big stars" who are most likely to call off if they have any sort of niggle their club physio is worried about, but these two lads seem to have boundless energy and commitment. Even when being forced to play out of position. Both class acts.

That's fair enough. it's good to have close players on the pitch who are comfortable with each other and no how to play together well. However, I think it would be harsh not to start Fraser considering his form at the highest level this season.

Has Fraser pulled out?

Just to be clear, I was only answering your question. I believe that the majority of the call-offs are down to genuine injury, though the threshold of a play-stopping injury may have been lowered in recent months. McLeish may not be the best man for the job, but I don't think there's a wide-scale player revolt against him.

I'd be extremely surprised if the players had an issue with Robbo as their captain.

I think that this is very likely the case.

Snoddy

So maybe if Levein had played 5-5-0 instead?...

I've seen fewer bobbles on a Christmas tree!

Oh my god hahaha! 1-0 Scotland after a complete freshy from the keeper. Shocker.

That's brilliant that it actually plays in the browser here in the thread. Thanks for posting!

I'd happily take 1-0 Scotland with an OG on Saturday!

Don't worry. This time next week we'll be on here chatting about two glorious wins and the excitement of a guaranteed playoff spot for Euro2020. I can't wait to see all the positivity flood back.

Hahahahaha that's gold. We should start this guy ahead of Fletcher.

It was a beautiful dream haha.

I don't think I'll ever not care about the team. I can have real low points where I'm not optimistic we will win any matches, but even then I care about the results. On the bright side, look how fast things can change. Try and remember just how bad we were under Vogts and Levein. I think sometimes some fans have short memories. Or perhaps it's the opposite? Maybe we remember too many of the bad times from the last 20 years? There have been great moments too. I'm holding out for the next one, and until them I'll support the team whenever they take the pitch, no matter the match and no matter how poor the squad may be on paper.

Hahaha I'm glad you posted this. When I read that article this morning I felt bad for being a Scotland obsessive and not even really knowing who this lad was. Now I realise he must just be an absolute chancer! Absolutely has to be Tierney at right back unfortunately, unless the Scottish Cafu turns up to save the day. It could be his Rooney-style testimonial?

...except for his last 6 games in one of the top leagues in word football, where he has scored 3 times.

Agreed!

I think I've come round to this now (definite starts in green😞 McGregor Tierney - Devlin - McKenna - Robertson McGinn - McGregor Christie - Armstrong - Fraser Paterson

I have no idea how to rank Cairney against our other midfielders, but I do know that only a couple of months ago he was getting rave reviews for his excellent form in the EPL, then sadly he got injured. He may not be interested in us, though that hasn't been reported by anyone, including himself. He may not be as good as our other options, though it's hard to tell right now. I'd love to see him hit his best form and fitness and join the Scotland squad. We need lads fighting for places, not just walking into them because there are no other options.

To be honest it seems like a no-brainer to play them together given the current circumstances. McKenna should definitely start, so why not play the guy he trains and plays with ever day next to him in the absence of any other standout candidates.

With 3 goals and 6 assists (more than any other player in the EPL this season) he's showing he can do alright playing on the left of midfield. I think we've got to give him a chance to start.

Cairney looking decent for Fulham, up against it at Anfield. Lovely ball in for what should have been the opening goal but was wrongly called offside.