World
Steve Clarke to show Scotland strength despite one star restricted to sub duty
One week to go Klaxon!
We are officially just seven days away from the eyes of the world watching Scotland kick-off Euro 2024 against hosts Germany as Steve Clarke looks to mastermind an upset and get the finals up and running in incredible fashion. But before focus fully turns to getting on that plane and into camp, there is the small matter of a Hampden farewell against Finland.
The Dark Blues got back to winning ways after seven matches without victory by defeating minnows Gibraltar 2-0 in Faro. It was a much changed team put out by the national team boss but the fans are set to see an XI more like what we should expect to see take to the field at Allianz Arena. One notable absentee from the off comes in the shape of Scott McTominay – who despite training – will not be ready to start. But the Man Utd star will be ready for the big one next week as 200,000 Tartan Army diehards get ready to take plans, trains and automobiles to be part of the big summer party.
But closer to home, it is believed Clarke has arrived to the tough decision to drop Hearts veteran and Scotland favourite Craig Gordon alongside Rangers stopper John Souttar from the pool to have his completed 26-man squad. The team took part in an open training session in front of fans at Hampden on Thursday and after the game tonight they will get some down time before departing Sunday.
Since the Gibraltar game Tommy Conway and Lewis Morgan have arrived in the squad to add depth to the attacking ranks. Lyndon Dykes was ruled out before that match with a training ground injury while young talent Ben Doak is also out due to injury. The duo will be hoping they can get a run out tonight and play a role in Germany as the excitement of a nation builds.