Scottish Players in Action 18/19

[Tartan Chris]

Saw a bit of Kenny Mclean live yesterday. Was hitting some lovely slide rule passes into the space Hutton was supposed to be positioned in and he played a big part in the first goal.

Injury then forced him out. Seems to have enjoyed himself this morning though! (new town crier of Norwich.😂)

Interested how often he's used by Norwich next season but started their last 10 which is promising sign.

Edited May 6, 2019 by Tartan Chris

[mccaughey85]

2 hours ago, bazmidd said:

Probably not too far off with that to be honest. Some decent Midfielders in our squad but Keith Lasley has just described Turnbull as the greatest young player this country has produced in a generation, that along with Michael Stewarts Ballack comparison is high praise indeed. He does seem to have it all as a Midfielder although as I said there are still some decent options for us in there just now. 

Lol Turnbull can be next gauld.

[Super_Scotlandfan]

Can the argument that we don't have good enough players be dispelled now please?

This season we have:

In the EPL:

Andy Robertson: Easily the best left back in the premier league. Brilliant energy, defensively and going forward. Equal most assists for a defender ever in the PL. Every country in the world would call him up.

Ryan Fraser: Arguably the best player outside of the top 6 this season. And linked with a move to 3 of them next season. Has created 25 'big chances'...more than any in the league and 1 behind Hazard in assists. For Bournemouth.

Scott McTominay: Breakout last couple of months as a keep-ball, more defensively minded midfielder. Has won over fans and management and has been rewarded with a long term contract for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Other mentions: Callum Paterson...had a good run as a striker for Cardiff, can play anywhere, wins everything in the air and would be a very useful player to have when a change of tactics is required in the final 10 minutes. Stuart Armstrong...decent first season in the premier league, provides drive and confidence going forward when others are scared to do so. Robert Snodgrass...has managed to start 25 games for a very good EPL team, wouldn't have him starting for Scotland but shows some depth.

In the Scottish Premiership:

Callum McGregor: Named as Celtic's best player this season. Can play deep or further forward. Brilliant short and long passer, central to most of Celtic's good play.

James Forrest: His best ever season and named PFA's player of the season. Was poor in the past in the final third but has completely turned that around this season. Provides pace, goals and composure AND has done it Scotland recently too.

Kieran Tierney: Hasn't had a chance to display his talents as much this season due to injury. But an incredible talent at 21 with similar attributes to Robertson. Stands out whilst playing in Europe too which seems a good indicator. 

Ryan Christie: Again a couple of injuries have cut short his season but would have been in the running for POTS otherwise. Can score goals and has great feet in and around the box, played very well for Scotland and for Celtic in Europe. Think they've missed him greatly whilst he's been injured. 

Other mentions: Scott Bain...has shown he can step into Gordon's/McGregor's shoes with his displays for Celtic. If he plays next season like he has the second half of this then we'll have a very solid keeper who's shown ability to play out from the back. Scott McKenna, John Souttar, Craig Halkett, Josh Kerr, Ryan Porteous...all young centre halfs showing quality - a couple will step up to the next level...surely!? Also like the look of Turnbull at Well and Henderson and McCrorie at Celtic and Rangers. 

In the English Championship:

Oli McBurnie: 22 goals for Swansea at 22 years old is very impressive. And as others have mentioned he doesn't always play as the striker furthest forward. Hasn't played his best for Scotland but that's not a reason to write him off. Great feet, can hold the ball up and has the height to win headers.

John McGinn: Won Aston Villa's player of the year. A team with £25M rated Jack Grealish and 25 goal Tammy Abraham. Similar to Armstrong but provides more dig all over the park. 

Other mentions: Kenny McLean...won the league with Norwich and is now a regular in their midfield, will need to start games in the EPL next season though. Steven Fletcher...must be the best hold up striker in that league, fits in very well with Scotland's style of play. Also mentions to Barry Bannan and John Fleck showing our depth in midfield. 

Abroad:

No-one really standing out but Jack Harper has managed to get a move to Getafe who are in a Champions league position. If he proves useful to them next season he needs to be in our squad. David Bates seemed to having a great season for Hamburg but was dropped recently but so has Hamburg's form. Would love to see them promoted and Bates holding his own in the Bundesliga...at 22 he has massive potential. Also Liam Henderson but doesn't seem in favour at the moment, would need to do a lot more to get into Scotland's midfield.

A team including:

Robertson/Tierney, Fraser, McTominay, McGregor, Forrest, Christie is strong and teams ranked in around us would love to call player of this standard up. We're lacking centre halves and a right back but one/two of the young players are bound to step up in the next couple of years. It would be unlucky if they didn't. 

Lets be a positive, a good manager could navigate wins against every team in our group bar Belgium and 4 points from Russia. If not, the play off games are very winnable with the players we have.

This is also the reason why I think the Scotland job should be attractive to good managers. We have a few players playing very well at the highest standard and lots of younger players playing good football at the levels below. 

[Big Ramy 1314]

6 hours ago, Super_Scotlandfan said:

Can the argument that we don't have good enough players be dispelled now please?

This season we have:

In the EPL:

Andy Robertson: Easily the best left back in the premier league. Brilliant energy, defensively and going forward. Equal most assists for a defender ever in the PL. Every country in the world would call him up.

Ryan Fraser: Arguably the best player outside of the top 6 this season. And linked with a move to 3 of them next season. Has created 25 'big chances'...more than any in the league and 1 behind Hazard in assists. For Bournemouth.

Scott McTominay: Breakout last couple of months as a keep-ball, more defensively minded midfielder. Has won over fans and management and has been rewarded with a long term contract for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Other mentions: Callum Paterson...had a good run as a striker for Cardiff, can play anywhere, wins everything in the air and would be a very useful player to have when a change of tactics is required in the final 10 minutes. Stuart Armstrong...decent first season in the premier league, provides drive and confidence going forward when others are scared to do so. Robert Snodgrass...has managed to start 25 games for a very good EPL team, wouldn't have him starting for Scotland but shows some depth.

In the Scottish Premiership:

Callum McGregor: Named as Celtic's best player this season. Can play deep or further forward. Brilliant short and long passer, central to most of Celtic's good play.

James Forrest: His best ever season and named PFA's player of the season. Was poor in the past in the final third but has completely turned that around this season. Provides pace, goals and composure AND has done it Scotland recently too.

Kieran Tierney: Hasn't had a chance to display his talents as much this season due to injury. But an incredible talent at 21 with similar attributes to Robertson. Stands out whilst playing in Europe too which seems a good indicator. 

Ryan Christie: Again a couple of injuries have cut short his season but would have been in the running for POTS otherwise. Can score goals and has great feet in and around the box, played very well for Scotland and for Celtic in Europe. Think they've missed him greatly whilst he's been injured. 

Other mentions: Scott Bain...has shown he can step into Gordon's/McGregor's shoes with his displays for Celtic. If he plays next season like he has the second half of this then we'll have a very solid keeper who's shown ability to play out from the back. Scott McKenna, John Souttar, Craig Halkett, Josh Kerr, Ryan Porteous...all young centre halfs showing quality - a couple will step up to the next level...surely!? Also like the look of Turnbull at Well and Henderson and McCrorie at Celtic and Rangers. 

In the English Championship:

Oli McBurnie: 22 goals for Swansea at 22 years old is very impressive. And as others have mentioned he doesn't always play as the striker furthest forward. Hasn't played his best for Scotland but that's not a reason to write him off. Great feet, can hold the ball up and has the height to win headers.

John McGinn: Won Aston Villa's player of the year. A team with £25M rated Jack Grealish and 25 goal Tammy Abraham. Similar to Armstrong but provides more dig all over the park. 

Other mentions: Kenny McLean...won the league with Norwich and is now a regular in their midfield, will need to start games in the EPL next season though. Steven Fletcher...must be the best hold up striker in that league, fits in very well with Scotland's style of play. Also mentions to Barry Bannan and John Fleck showing our depth in midfield. 

Abroad:

No-one really standing out but Jack Harper has managed to get a move to Getafe who are in a Champions league position. If he proves useful to them next season he needs to be in our squad. David Bates seemed to having a great season for Hamburg but was dropped recently but so has Hamburg's form. Would love to see them promoted and Bates holding his own in the Bundesliga...at 22 he has massive potential. Also Liam Henderson but doesn't seem in favour at the moment, would need to do a lot more to get into Scotland's midfield.

A team including:

Robertson/Tierney, Fraser, McTominay, McGregor, Forrest, Christie is strong and teams ranked in around us would love to call player of this standard up. We're lacking centre halves and a right back but one/two of the young players are bound to step up in the next couple of years. It would be unlucky if they didn't. 

Lets be a positive, a good manager could navigate wins against every team in our group bar Belgium and 4 points from Russia. If not, the play off games are very winnable with the players we have.

This is also the reason why I think the Scotland job should be attractive to good managers. We have a few players playing very well at the highest standard and lots of younger players playing good football at the levels below. 

Excellent post. Gives me hope. Just as you said, find the proper manager that knows how to utilize our talent to its strengths. 

[kumnio]

6 hours ago, Super_Scotlandfan said:

Can the argument that we don't have good enough players be dispelled now please?

No.

Sadly, the SFA will appoint another diddy who believes we are shite, and media will continue to portray this as much as they can, bad news sells more papers than good news. Our system is rotten to the core IMO. They revel in defeatism, and encourage it as much as they can.

Its a sad day when the only people talking up our game is Tom English, Chris Sutton and Michael Stewart, most Scottish pundits and press are beyond negative.

[borojock]

7 hours ago, Super_Scotlandfan said:

Can the argument that we don't have good enough players be dispelled now please?

This season we have:

In the EPL:

Andy Robertson: Easily the best left back in the premier league. Brilliant energy, defensively and going forward. Equal most assists for a defender ever in the PL. Every country in the world would call him up.

Ryan Fraser: Arguably the best player outside of the top 6 this season. And linked with a move to 3 of them next season. Has created 25 'big chances'...more than any in the league and 1 behind Hazard in assists. For Bournemouth.

Scott McTominay: Breakout last couple of months as a keep-ball, more defensively minded midfielder. Has won over fans and management and has been rewarded with a long term contract for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Other mentions: Callum Paterson...had a good run as a striker for Cardiff, can play anywhere, wins everything in the air and would be a very useful player to have when a change of tactics is required in the final 10 minutes. Stuart Armstrong...decent first season in the premier league, provides drive and confidence going forward when others are scared to do so. Robert Snodgrass...has managed to start 25 games for a very good EPL team, wouldn't have him starting for Scotland but shows some depth.

In the Scottish Premiership:

Callum McGregor: Named as Celtic's best player this season. Can play deep or further forward. Brilliant short and long passer, central to most of Celtic's good play.

James Forrest: His best ever season and named PFA's player of the season. Was poor in the past in the final third but has completely turned that around this season. Provides pace, goals and composure AND has done it Scotland recently too.

Kieran Tierney: Hasn't had a chance to display his talents as much this season due to injury. But an incredible talent at 21 with similar attributes to Robertson. Stands out whilst playing in Europe too which seems a good indicator. 

Ryan Christie: Again a couple of injuries have cut short his season but would have been in the running for POTS otherwise. Can score goals and has great feet in and around the box, played very well for Scotland and for Celtic in Europe. Think they've missed him greatly whilst he's been injured. 

Other mentions: Scott Bain...has shown he can step into Gordon's/McGregor's shoes with his displays for Celtic. If he plays next season like he has the second half of this then we'll have a very solid keeper who's shown ability to play out from the back. Scott McKenna, John Souttar, Craig Halkett, Josh Kerr, Ryan Porteous...all young centre halfs showing quality - a couple will step up to the next level...surely!? Also like the look of Turnbull at Well and Henderson and McCrorie at Celtic and Rangers. 

In the English Championship:

Oli McBurnie: 22 goals for Swansea at 22 years old is very impressive. And as others have mentioned he doesn't always play as the striker furthest forward. Hasn't played his best for Scotland but that's not a reason to write him off. Great feet, can hold the ball up and has the height to win headers.

John McGinn: Won Aston Villa's player of the year. A team with £25M rated Jack Grealish and 25 goal Tammy Abraham. Similar to Armstrong but provides more dig all over the park. 

Other mentions: Kenny McLean...won the league with Norwich and is now a regular in their midfield, will need to start games in the EPL next season though. Steven Fletcher...must be the best hold up striker in that league, fits in very well with Scotland's style of play. Also mentions to Barry Bannan and John Fleck showing our depth in midfield. 

Abroad:

No-one really standing out but Jack Harper has managed to get a move to Getafe who are in a Champions league position. If he proves useful to them next season he needs to be in our squad. David Bates seemed to having a great season for Hamburg but was dropped recently but so has Hamburg's form. Would love to see them promoted and Bates holding his own in the Bundesliga...at 22 he has massive potential. Also Liam Henderson but doesn't seem in favour at the moment, would need to do a lot more to get into Scotland's midfield.

A team including:

Robertson/Tierney, Fraser, McTominay, McGregor, Forrest, Christie is strong and teams ranked in around us would love to call player of this standard up. We're lacking centre halves and a right back but one/two of the young players are bound to step up in the next couple of years. It would be unlucky if they didn't. 

Lets be a positive, a good manager could navigate wins against every team in our group bar Belgium and 4 points from Russia. If not, the play off games are very winnable with the players we have.

This is also the reason why I think the Scotland job should be attractive to good managers. We have a few players playing very well at the highest standard and lots of younger players playing good football at the levels below. 

Interesting post, i think the debate has to have some context around it on the expectations of what your looking for the team to achieve and the quality level your looking at eg comparing to Messi or comparing to Rogic

Do we have players who could go to a WC or EC and do well - i'd argue Robertson & Fraser 

Do we have players that can challenge to qualify for a major tournament i'd add to the mix the likes of McTominay, Tierney, McGregor and Forrest 

We have 2 great players, a couple of good players, the problem is to add to that you need a quality manager and coaching staff, tactics that make the most of the players you have, a really strong team spirit and players committed to the cause. I don't know how many of those we have

The biggest problem we have had over the last 20 years or so is we havent had a very good attacking player, the majority of teams that over exceed have a quality striker such as Robbie Keane for ROI, Bale for Wales, Ibrahmovic for Sweden etc which we havent had. If you dont have that you need a quality manager and a strong team spirit like N.I. or Iceland 

Edited May 6, 2019 by borojock

[ceudmilefailte]

7 hours ago, Super_Scotlandfan said:

Can the argument that we don't have good enough players be dispelled now please?

 

You don't mention any central defenders or a defensive left side midfielder  which nullifies the effect our two best players can have on a game.

We have some very good players but no balance.

When you look at the suggestions for a possible squad for the upcoming games, defensively it is scary.

[mccaughey85]

38 minutes ago, ceudmilefailte said:

You don't mention any central defenders or a defensive left side midfielder  which nullifies the effect our two best players can have on a game.

We have some very good players but no balance.

When you look at the suggestions for a possible squad for the upcoming games, defensively it is scary.

Yeh centre backs and right back it is poor but we should never be losing til the likes of Kazakhstan 3 nil. What we need is a couple of good cbs and the squad would pretty solid player wise, problem is I am not sure if bates and McKenna will be our saviours in that position and souttar is not exactly brilliant either. 

[Bobby Russell's Lovechild]

See Harper was an unused sub last night. Malaga are now a point outside the playoff places and only drew 1-1

[SlamDuncan]

9 minutes ago, Bobby Russell's Lovechild said:

See Harper was an unused sub last night. Malaga are now a point outside the playoff places and only drew 1-1

He's only just back in the squad after injury so maybe not match ready yet.

[er yir macaroon]

17 hours ago, Super_Scotlandfan said:

Can the argument that we don't have good enough players be dispelled now please?

This season we have:

In the EPL:

Andy Robertson: Easily the best left back in the premier league. Brilliant energy, defensively and going forward. Equal most assists for a defender ever in the PL. Every country in the world would call him up.

Ryan Fraser: Arguably the best player outside of the top 6 this season. And linked with a move to 3 of them next season. Has created 25 'big chances'...more than any in the league and 1 behind Hazard in assists. For Bournemouth.

Scott McTominay: Breakout last couple of months as a keep-ball, more defensively minded midfielder. Has won over fans and management and has been rewarded with a long term contract for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Other mentions: Callum Paterson...had a good run as a striker for Cardiff, can play anywhere, wins everything in the air and would be a very useful player to have when a change of tactics is required in the final 10 minutes. Stuart Armstrong...decent first season in the premier league, provides drive and confidence going forward when others are scared to do so. Robert Snodgrass...has managed to start 25 games for a very good EPL team, wouldn't have him starting for Scotland but shows some depth.

In the Scottish Premiership:

Callum McGregor: Named as Celtic's best player this season. Can play deep or further forward. Brilliant short and long passer, central to most of Celtic's good play.

James Forrest: His best ever season and named PFA's player of the season. Was poor in the past in the final third but has completely turned that around this season. Provides pace, goals and composure AND has done it Scotland recently too.

Kieran Tierney: Hasn't had a chance to display his talents as much this season due to injury. But an incredible talent at 21 with similar attributes to Robertson. Stands out whilst playing in Europe too which seems a good indicator. 

Ryan Christie: Again a couple of injuries have cut short his season but would have been in the running for POTS otherwise. Can score goals and has great feet in and around the box, played very well for Scotland and for Celtic in Europe. Think they've missed him greatly whilst he's been injured. 

Other mentions: Scott Bain...has shown he can step into Gordon's/McGregor's shoes with his displays for Celtic. If he plays next season like he has the second half of this then we'll have a very solid keeper who's shown ability to play out from the back. Scott McKenna, John Souttar, Craig Halkett, Josh Kerr, Ryan Porteous...all young centre halfs showing quality - a couple will step up to the next level...surely!? Also like the look of Turnbull at Well and Henderson and McCrorie at Celtic and Rangers. 

In the English Championship:

Oli McBurnie: 22 goals for Swansea at 22 years old is very impressive. And as others have mentioned he doesn't always play as the striker furthest forward. Hasn't played his best for Scotland but that's not a reason to write him off. Great feet, can hold the ball up and has the height to win headers.

John McGinn: Won Aston Villa's player of the year. A team with £25M rated Jack Grealish and 25 goal Tammy Abraham. Similar to Armstrong but provides more dig all over the park. 

Other mentions: Kenny McLean...won the league with Norwich and is now a regular in their midfield, will need to start games in the EPL next season though. Steven Fletcher...must be the best hold up striker in that league, fits in very well with Scotland's style of play. Also mentions to Barry Bannan and John Fleck showing our depth in midfield. 

Abroad:

No-one really standing out but Jack Harper has managed to get a move to Getafe who are in a Champions league position. If he proves useful to them next season he needs to be in our squad. David Bates seemed to having a great season for Hamburg but was dropped recently but so has Hamburg's form. Would love to see them promoted and Bates holding his own in the Bundesliga...at 22 he has massive potential. Also Liam Henderson but doesn't seem in favour at the moment, would need to do a lot more to get into Scotland's midfield.

A team including:

Robertson/Tierney, Fraser, McTominay, McGregor, Forrest, Christie is strong and teams ranked in around us would love to call player of this standard up. We're lacking centre halves and a right back but one/two of the young players are bound to step up in the next couple of years. It would be unlucky if they didn't. 

Lets be a positive, a good manager could navigate wins against every team in our group bar Belgium and 4 points from Russia. If not, the play off games are very winnable with the players we have.

This is also the reason why I think the Scotland job should be attractive to good managers. We have a few players playing very well at the highest standard and lots of younger players playing good football at the levels below. 

I agree with your post, my optimism has been increasingly greatly in the last couple of years. You have omitted Gilmour who will be as good or better than all those players. He’ll be 18 in June, but he still has a bit of maturing to do, physically. I also think Hornby will be our main striker over the next 5 years starting from sometime next season.

[andyD]

19 hours ago, Super_Scotlandfan said:

John McGinn: Won Aston Villa's player of the year. A team with £25M rated Jack Grealish and 25 goal Tammy Abraham. Similar to Armstrong but provides more dig all over the park.

I haven't got it in for the guy, but..

As had been said, he wont players player of the year, which is really just who's best liked in the dressing room most of the time.

You're suggesting he's better than Armstrong, which i just don't see. Generally in a Scotland shirt, Armstrong is one of our better performers, even on the days when everyone's having a nightmare. Meanwhile, McGinn has rarely shone and instead made glaring errors in several games, and generally doesn't take care of the ball very well (something he's also shown at Villa a number of times this season, that I've seen).

It's also worth bearing in mind that Armstrong's looked decent at Premier League level and made a difference in games for Southampton, despite niggles meaning he's been in and out of the side. Cairney looked better in the Championship before coming up than McGinn has this season and he's all but disappeared in the Premier League. So make of that what you will. Would regular top performers in the Championship, like Fleck and Bannan, cut it in the Premier League? Doubt it, and I've not seen anything from McGinn to suggest he's ready for that step up yet.

I might be in the minority, but I think Villa going up could be the worst thing to happen for McGinn. Of Villa's midfield 3, Grealish and Hourihane are the better players. And I can't envision Villa not strengthening midfield if they're promoted, which leaves McGinn sat on the bench for most of next year. Another season playing every week in the Championship is probably the best thing for him right now imo.

[andyD]

On 5/2/2019 at 1:38 PM, Bobby Russell's Lovechild said:

Ok? Not sure the point of that

That it's the players players of the year award.
It pretty much just means that McGinn is mates with everyone, which is good. But.. not an objective assessment of his contribution or quality relative to the rest of the squad.

[Tartan blood]

23 hours ago, Super_Scotlandfan said:

Can the argument that we don't have good enough players be dispelled now please?

This season we have:

In the EPL:

Andy Robertson: Easily the best left back in the premier league. Brilliant energy, defensively and going forward. Equal most assists for a defender ever in the PL. Every country in the world would call him up.

Ryan Fraser: Arguably the best player outside of the top 6 this season. And linked with a move to 3 of them next season. Has created 25 'big chances'...more than any in the league and 1 behind Hazard in assists. For Bournemouth.

Scott McTominay: Breakout last couple of months as a keep-ball, more defensively minded midfielder. Has won over fans and management and has been rewarded with a long term contract for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Other mentions: Callum Paterson...had a good run as a striker for Cardiff, can play anywhere, wins everything in the air and would be a very useful player to have when a change of tactics is required in the final 10 minutes. Stuart Armstrong...decent first season in the premier league, provides drive and confidence going forward when others are scared to do so. Robert Snodgrass...has managed to start 25 games for a very good EPL team, wouldn't have him starting for Scotland but shows some depth.

In the Scottish Premiership:

Callum McGregor: Named as Celtic's best player this season. Can play deep or further forward. Brilliant short and long passer, central to most of Celtic's good play.

James Forrest: His best ever season and named PFA's player of the season. Was poor in the past in the final third but has completely turned that around this season. Provides pace, goals and composure AND has done it Scotland recently too.

Kieran Tierney: Hasn't had a chance to display his talents as much this season due to injury. But an incredible talent at 21 with similar attributes to Robertson. Stands out whilst playing in Europe too which seems a good indicator. 

Ryan Christie: Again a couple of injuries have cut short his season but would have been in the running for POTS otherwise. Can score goals and has great feet in and around the box, played very well for Scotland and for Celtic in Europe. Think they've missed him greatly whilst he's been injured. 

Other mentions: Scott Bain...has shown he can step into Gordon's/McGregor's shoes with his displays for Celtic. If he plays next season like he has the second half of this then we'll have a very solid keeper who's shown ability to play out from the back. Scott McKenna, John Souttar, Craig Halkett, Josh Kerr, Ryan Porteous...all young centre halfs showing quality - a couple will step up to the next level...surely!? Also like the look of Turnbull at Well and Henderson and McCrorie at Celtic and Rangers. 

In the English Championship:

Oli McBurnie: 22 goals for Swansea at 22 years old is very impressive. And as others have mentioned he doesn't always play as the striker furthest forward. Hasn't played his best for Scotland but that's not a reason to write him off. Great feet, can hold the ball up and has the height to win headers.

John McGinn: Won Aston Villa's player of the year. A team with £25M rated Jack Grealish and 25 goal Tammy Abraham. Similar to Armstrong but provides more dig all over the park. 

Other mentions: Kenny McLean...won the league with Norwich and is now a regular in their midfield, will need to start games in the EPL next season though. Steven Fletcher...must be the best hold up striker in that league, fits in very well with Scotland's style of play. Also mentions to Barry Bannan and John Fleck showing our depth in midfield. 

Abroad:

No-one really standing out but Jack Harper has managed to get a move to Getafe who are in a Champions league position. If he proves useful to them next season he needs to be in our squad. David Bates seemed to having a great season for Hamburg but was dropped recently but so has Hamburg's form. Would love to see them promoted and Bates holding his own in the Bundesliga...at 22 he has massive potential. Also Liam Henderson but doesn't seem in favour at the moment, would need to do a lot more to get into Scotland's midfield.

A team including:

Robertson/Tierney, Fraser, McTominay, McGregor, Forrest, Christie is strong and teams ranked in around us would love to call player of this standard up. We're lacking centre halves and a right back but one/two of the young players are bound to step up in the next couple of years. It would be unlucky if they didn't. 

Lets be a positive, a good manager could navigate wins against every team in our group bar Belgium and 4 points from Russia. If not, the play off games are very winnable with the players we have.

This is also the reason why I think the Scotland job should be attractive to good managers. We have a few players playing very well at the highest standard and lots of younger players playing good football at the levels below. 

Great post! I feel like I'm taking crazy pills when I read people slating the quality of our squad. This is probably the first time in years that we actually have a few players that would likely be called up for England. And I'll bet NI, Ireland and a Bale-less Wales would gladly swap squads with us, if they are being honest with themselves. 

I've not seen much of McGinn for Villa but I do know he has put in MOTM performances for Scotland. If he doesn't get 50+ caps for Scotland, I'll be shocked.

As you say, we are a bit threadbare at the back (while we wait for the youngsters to develop), but Strachan actually handled that well by focusing more on ball retention and attack. This squad absolutely can compete in tournaments. We just need a leader at the helm that commands respect

[SkyBlueScot]

13 hours ago, andyD said:

That it's the players players of the year award.
It pretty much just means that McGinn is mates with everyone, which is good. But.. not an objective assessment of his contribution or quality relative to the rest of the squad.

Does it? Or that his team mates really value his contributions. Maybe you'd be right if they were the only ones praising him.

[duncan II]

13 hours ago, andyD said:

That it's the players players of the year award.
It pretty much just means that McGinn is mates with everyone, which is good. But.. not an objective assessment of his contribution or quality relative to the rest of the squad.

That's nonsense. Players are not like that, voting for their 'mates'. Give them some credit. I've played for several teams and players' player was always valued as it's the vote of your peers. Those who value your contribution on the park most.

[Super_Scotlandfan]

13 hours ago, andyD said:

That it's the players players of the year award.
It pretty much just means that McGinn is mates with everyone, which is good. But.. not an objective assessment of his contribution or quality relative to the rest of the squad.

He also won fans player of year. Not sure if he's mates with them too.

For the record I wouldn't have him in my fully fit starting 11. Think he's got elements of his game he needs to work on. But he has that intensity, ball winning ability and drive his peers and fans obviously value. He could be very good for us but needs to work on mistakes.

[Tartan Chris]

Shinnie got his move to Derby then.

Might push his level up a bit as they're in the play offs season in season out.

[SkyBlueScot]

Not sure if this has been discussed but Everton's U23 won the league and tonight won the premier league cup. Hornby didn't score tonight but the match report has him in the thick of it: http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2019/05/08/u23s-report

[ceudmilefailte]

Bates has come on at half time for with Hamburg already 2-0 down. 

They needed to win to get promoted so that's that for our Bundesliga player hopes gone.

[Texas Pete]

15 minutes ago, ceudmilefailte said:

Bates has come on at half time for with Hamburg already 2-0 down. 

They needed to win to get promoted so that's that for our Bundesliga player hopes gone.

Bates would probably be out of his depth in the Bundesliga at this stage. Another year in the German second tier may not be a bad thing for him. 

[csinclair]

Still an outside chance for them through the playoffs

[bigfingers]

I feel we lack striking options 

[Texas Pete]

18 minutes ago, bigfingers said:

I feel we lack striking options 

We’re not exactly bursting at the seams with quality strikers but if Fletcher stays fit, McBurnie continues to develop and Griffiths returns to the Celtic team then things might not be as bad as you think.  

Johnny Russell and Marc McNulty are decent players as well.  

[gaz7]

texas pete u must be pissed.