How Scotland could line-up against Serbia

12:15pm on Thursday 12th November 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Scotland are aiming to qualify for a major international tournament for the first time in 22 years when they take on Serbia in a Euros playoff on Thursday.

Not since the 1998 World Cup has the Tartan Army graced a summer competition, with this week's match representing their best chance of doing so since Craig Brown's men achieved the feat over two decades ago.

Unfortunately for manager Steve Clarke, Scotland will be without influential winger Ryan Fraser after the Newcastle star pulled out of the squad, along with Norwich's Grant Hanley.

Scotland: Squad, FC Ratings, Matches, Formations

Scott McKenna has returned to the squad after missing the penalties victory over Israel and the Nations League victory against Slovakia, and will probably start at the expense of Declan Gallagher.

Andrew Considine made his debut for Scotland at the age of 33 after receiving a call-up for the last round of fixtures in October, but will likely drop down to the bench with Gallagher as Kieran Tierney is now fit to reclaim his spot on the left of the back three.

Lyndon Dykes has impressed since being called up to the national squad, and will start up front potentially with a new partner, as Leigh Griffiths makes his return to the national fold for the first time in two years.

Stuart Armstrong missed the games versus Israel and Slovakia after testing positive for coronavirus, but is named in this squad. It is unlikely he will break into the starting midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Ryan Jack, and John McGinn, however.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Marshall (Derby County); McLaughlin (Rangers); Gordon (Hearts)

Defenders: Considine (Aberdeen); Gallagher (Motherwell); McKenna (Nottingham Forest); Cooper (Leeds); O'Donnell (Motherwell); Palmer (Sheffield Wed); Robertson (Liverpool); Tierney (Arsenal); Taylor (Celtic); Hanley (Norwich City)

Midfielders: McTominay (Manchester United); Christie (Celtic); McGregor (Celtic); Armstrong (Southampton); Jack (Rangers); McGinn (Aston Villa); Kenny McLean (Norwich City)

Forwards: Dykes (QPR); Fraser (Newcastle); Burke (Sheffield United); McBurnie (Sheffield United); Griffiths (Celtic); Paterson (Sheffield Wed); Shankland (Dundee United)