Latest news with #ScotlandFootball
BBC News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
McGregor return would be 'perfect scenario' for Scotland
Convincing Celtic captain Callum McGregor to make a Scotland return would be the "perfect scenario" for head coach Steve Clarke, says Scott 31, opted to retire from international duty in August last year following the nation's disappointing Euro 2024 without McGregor, who has continued to flourish at club level, Scotland's midfield is one of Clarke's stronger teenager Lennon Miller has emerged as an option following an impressive June camp, plus Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson all remain squad ex-Celtic and Scotland captain Brown, who reversed an initial decision to retire from international duty as a player, feels McGregor is still the one Scottish midfielder who "ticks all the boxes" for Clarke."There are so many possibilities," the Ayr United manager told BBC Scotland. "The pairing of Gilmour and McTominay is one that's got to flourish. "You know what you're getting with McGinn. Clarke likes McLean because of his experience. Christie is favoured as a 10, too, so there are plenty of legs in there."But the perfect scenario is to get McGregor back. He is the one that ticks all the boxes. He can sit, he can go forward. "I know he is retired, but that is what Scotland are looking for."Read more: 'Miller time for Scotland - but McGregor return the dream'
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Is McGregor missing midfield piece as Miller offers food for thought?
If all eyes weren't already on Scotland's first World Cup qualifier against Denmark on 5 September, they certainly are Steve Clarke would have been running scenarios over in his head after Friday's defeat by Iceland, Monday night's win over in Liechtenstein presented no such besides his team and formation. Big decisions, in the Scotland head coach stick with the back four he played in Vaduz or shift to his trusty back three/five?In midfield, who does he hand starts to after 18-year-old Lennon Miller impressed on his full debut?And after hat-trick hero Che Adams and George Hirst linked up for the latter's first international goal, will Clarke commit to two up top?Plenty positions to ponder over the holidays for Clarke. And it's crucial he gets them right in Copenhagen. 'Tierney-Robertson partnership our strength' When possible, Clarke always opts for Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson down the left. They're his tried and tested and they've served him been a little discourse around whether that's still what we should be going with, but I don't see why not. I think they're still two of the best left-sided partnerships that we've got, it works really as left-sided centre-back and Robertson at left wing-back offers such pace, which also brings quality going forward and the end product of ball in the box.I think that's our strength, they've done it fantastically in the past couple of years, which is why I think going away from home, in Copenhagen, I see Clarke going with the we have good balance on the left, it's the right that's more up for grabs. There are cases to be made for many, and it's one for the head coach to mull over. 'Callum ticks all the boxes' On his first Scotland start, I think Miller has done himself absolutely millions of favours with his very, very calm - quite chilled actually. That's due to his family, his dad (former Scotland striker Lee Miller) keeping him grounded!His composure and quality is top notch and he expresses himself in the like he's not bothered by being on the big stage. His attitude is, 'I'm playing with my mates here'. That's top I think he will start in Denmark? I don't. But will he be one of the ones that's in Clarke's mind to automatically come on if you're looking for a goal or a forward pass? I'd say are so many possibilities, unbelievable pairing of Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay is one that's got to try and flourish. You know what you're getting with John McGinn. Clarke likes Kenny McLean because of his experience. Ryan Christie is favoured as a 10, too, so there are plenty of legs in the perfect combination is to get Callum McGregor the one that ticks all the boxes. He can sit, he can go forward. I know he's retired but that's what Scotland are looking for. 'Dykes will be phoning, asking to be in a top two' Though two strikers are not Clarke's usual call, he has gone with the Che Adams-Lyndon Dykes partnership before.I was on punditry duties with the big man while we watched Adams and Hirst strike up a partnership and I reckon he'll be phoning Clarke now saying he can play in the two.I think the head coach likes Dykes' running power. He's a great worker off the ball, but also holds it well and causes problems in the will be flying high while Hirst has just opened his Scotland account. There's, finally, great competition up there now for us. We've not had three goal-scoring strikers for the national team for a long, long Clarke use all three, though? I don't think he he goes defensively, I don't see him playing two strikers.I see him playing that box in the middle of the park and I think it gives us a wee bit better structure going away from home. 'Trip to Copenhagen critical for qualification' Getting it right in Copenhagen is Scotland can get a point away to Denmark and then beat them at home - while beating everybody else - that'll do it. Easier said, mind the first game is the big one. You don't want to go away on matchday one and lose, because it puts the Danes on the front foot early doors with belief. Scotland then start to overthink everything, so the opener will be hugely important for just has to do what he had a fantastic career as a manager, I actually look at him and the style he plays - I try and steal stuff from got a lot of experience throughout the time and that's what he doesn't need to deter from what he usually does too much, it's done him very well so Scotland captain Scott Brown was speaking to BBC Scotland's Amy Canavan
The Independent
a day ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Is Liechtenstein vs Scotland on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch friendly
Scotland will bid to bounce back from a demoralising defeat to Iceland as they face Liechtenstein in Vaduz. A 3-1 defeat at Hampden Park followed the Nations League play-off defeat to Greece in March as Steve Clarke 's side shipped three goals at home for a second game in succession. Supporters were frustrated on Friday and will hope for better against a side Scotland will expect to beat, though Clarke is dealing with a goalkeeping crisis. Ross Doohan, who has just left Aberdeen, and 18-year-old Bournemouth goalkeeper Callan McKenna have been called up as injury replacements with as many as five options in goal currently sidelined. Here's everything you need to know. When is Scotland vs Liechtenstein? Scotland vs Liechtenstein is due to kick off at 5pm BST on Monday 9 June at Rheinpark Stadium in Vaduz. How can I watch it? Viewers in Scotland can watch the match on BBC One Scotland, with television coverage available on BBC Two for others in the United Kingdom. A live stream will be available via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer. Scotland team news Ross Doohan could be set to start in goal with Angus Gunn and Robby McCrorie ruled out and Cieran Slicker struggling on debut after being brought off the bench for a stricken Dunn. Neither Scott McTominay nor Kieran Tierney have travelled due to knocks. Odds Liechtenstein win 35/1 Draw 12/1 Scotland win 1/16 The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Scotland v Iceland build-up - Johnston, Ferguson & Hirst all start
Update: Date: 19:06 BST Title: Poignant night at Hampden Content: Scotland v Iceland (19:45 BST) Scott MullenBBC Scotland at Hampden Park The streets around Hampden Park are starting to simmer. Flags and scarves are being flogged on street corners. This is where the march to the World Cup starts. Well, sort of. You don't get many international friendlies these days, but this one is not without its importance. Steve Clarke's Scotland need something to hold on to, whether result or a couple of glowing performances. Ideally both. There will also be a poignant moment pre-match, with a tribute to former Scottish FA president Jack McGinn, the grandfather of Scotland midfielder John. A nice tribute to him is included from Clarke in his programme notes. Let's see what tonight brings. Update: Date: 19:03 BST Title: LINE-UPS from Hampden Content: Scotland v Iceland (19:45 BST) Scotland: Gunn, Johnston, Hanley, Souttar, Tierney, Robertson, Gilmour, Ferguson, McGinn, McTominay, Hirst. Substitutes: McCrorie, Slicker, Ralston, Adams, Conway, Hendry, Miller, McKenna, Irving, Wilson, Barron, Doig, Patterson, Bowie. Iceland: Olafsson, Palsson, Magnusson, Ingason, Ellertsson, Thordarson, Johannesson, Haraldsson, Gudmundsson, Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson. Substitutes: Valdimarsson, Einarsson, Tomasson, Gretarsson, Magnusson, Helgason, Willumsson, Hunnarsson, Anderson, Thorhallsson, Hlynsson, Traustason. Update: Date: 18:59 BST Title: Did you miss us? Content: Scotland v Iceland (19:45 BST) Just 11 days since the end of the domestic season in Scotland, football is back. Scotland host Iceland at Hampden in the first of two summer friendlies. The teams are in, so let's get right to it...
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Scotland 'should be grateful' they have Tierney
Head coach Steve Clarke says Scotland "should be grateful" they have Kieran Tierney as the incoming Celtic defender prepares for his 50th 28-year-old, who returns to Parkhead this summer following his Arsenal exit, is set to reach the milestone when the Scots face Iceland - live on the BBC - on Friday night at suffering injury issues in recent years, Tierney's versatility to play at left-back and on the left of a back three has been vital throughout Clarke's reign."Kieran is a top, top player, we're lucky to have him," said Clarke, whose side will also face Lichtenstein on Monday. "In recent years, he's had one or two little injury issues that have probably restricted his number of caps. "I remember going down to London to meet him when he'd just moved to Arsenal to speak to him about his role within the squad and what we expected from him. "Since then, myself and Kieran have had a really good relationship. So we should be grateful we've got him and hopefully it doesn't stop at 50 and the caps keep coming."There are many players in the squad now who are on over 50 caps and Kieran's just another one to add to that."
