How Scotland could line-up for crunch World Cup play-off against Ukraine with Tierney and Jack ruled out
THE anticipation and build-up has been extraordinary.
But now Scotland’s crunch play-off tie with Ukraine is just around the corner and excitement truly builds.
Steve Clarke’s men are just two games away from the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Should they get beyond Wednesday’s postponed clash with the Ukrainians then just Wales stand in their way this Sunday.
Clarke’s been dealt a hammer blow with Kieran Tierney and Ryan Jack missing out through injury.
SunSport have had a go at picking who we think the Scotland boss will select for the semi-final.
CRAIG GORDON
Easy choice. Scotland’s No1 and nobody would have argued if he scooped all the end of season awards.
David Marshall was the hero when we made the Euros and now it can be Gordon’s turn.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY
He will play, so it’s a question of where?
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Clarke enjoys defenders driving out from the back and thankfully we are pretty blessed with players in the middle of the park.
Ability to maintain possession from the back likely to be key.
GRANT HANLEY
Has been a key performer in the Scotland back-line and will likely need to be again.
A threat in attack and colossus in defence.
LIAM COOPER
A huge blow that Kieran Tierney misses out in the left centre-back spot.
Cooper came back into the Leeds fold late in the season to help them stay in the Premier League.
Has shown the fitness levels required and provides balance being left-footed.
NATHAN PATTERSON
Clarke admitted he will give the former Rangers star every chance to prove he is fit.
Patterson missed the remainder of Everton’s season after the last international break through injury.
Minor surgery meant he hasn’t featured.
But his athleticism is something Clarke wants and we’ve a sneaky suspicion he might just make it.
BILLY GILMOUR
Another without the match fitness – another that must be involved.
Gilmour’s performances in navy blue have made him a sure-starter for Scotland for years to come.
Endured a tough campaign with Norwich City but will forget all about that to feature in the Scotland midfield.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
One of the first names on the teamsheet.
A remarkable season for the Celtic captain and he and Gilmour will attempt to pass their way to the World Cup.
A key performer
ANDY ROBERTSON
Suffered Champions League heartbreak on Saturday and won’t have trained with the group.
But the Scotland captain will need to put that behind him to drive his country to the World Cup.
Chance to be first captain to lead this country to the tournament in 24 years.
JOHN MCGINN
Scotland’s best player for the past few years.
Likely that any breakthrough will come through the Aston Villa man once again.
Will hopefully prove why he’s Scotland’s main man.
RYAN CHRISTIE
Will Clarke go two up front? Or have one of his players playing off the front?
Christie has more than played his part in a Bournemouth side which gained promotion back to the Premiership.
Full of confidence and Clarke could use man that has done it before after his goal against Serbia en route to Euros.
CHE ADAMS
One or two options up top but neither of the top two in any great form.
Adams and Lyndon Dykes have partnered each other up front before and could well do so again.
But Adams hasn’t scored since February and Dykes even longer – January his last goal.
Adams also found himself out the Southampton side late on in the campaign but he could get the nod here.
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Jacob Brown and Ross Stewart inexperienced at this level but probably in better form.
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