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I was surrounded by Scots superstars in 81 v Israel... we need to find new heroes to help out Tierney & Robbo
Ideally you want people on bench who put pressure on those who start for us JOE JORDAN ON LACK OF SQUAD DEPTH FOR CLARKE
JOE JORDAN recalls his own Hampden job over Israel and the names on the Scotland teamsheet in the World Cup qualifier roll off the tongue.
John Robertson, Alan Hansen, Graeme Souness, Danny McGrain, Asa Hartford and Steve Archibald were all starters in a 3-1 success that helped steer Jock Stein’s side to Espana 82.
Not so much a who’s who but an embarrassment of riches over who didn’t get a game.
As Jordan assesses the crop Steve Clarke has at his disposal, he feels it will be a collective strength over individual brilliance that can open up a second-place finish in Group F.
He said: “The likes of Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, Andy Robertson and John McGinn are a nucleus of the side, which we need to add to.
“Steve knows better than anyone how to deploy these guys and what formation is best suited to the occasion. But it’s the lack of depth and options that is an issue. The reason why Denmark are successful and top the group is they have an entire squad full of guys who operate at the highest level across Europe.
“Denmark are the perfect example of that, they are not just an XI. They have a squad of players who can be manipulated and changed. That’s the difference.
“Against a side such as Israel, it’s crucial to manage the entire game as you can’t just rely on the side that starts or five or six players, boys who can win you the game or save you the game.
“The inclusion of Che
Adams is a bonus as that striking area is one where we don’t have that depth.
“Ideally you want people on the bench who put pressure on those who start.
“You want to be able to bring them on and be able to change the game. We don’t really have that in abundance.
“Steve will be looking for certain players for certain games who bring something different to the team.
“Look at the biggest clubs in England and Scotland, they all have depth within their squads, which allows the manager to chop and change for the particular challenge. It’s a luxury we don’t have. That’s where Scotland need to get to.
“Whether it’s someone to come on to win you the game or hold on to a win, these guys are as important as those who start.”
Jordan carries the distinction of being the only Scot to score at three World Cups and insists every player who takes to the pitch at a packed Hampden tomorrow should be in no doubt about the size of the task.
He said: “Nobody should have a mindset that this game is going to be easy.
“All you need to do is look at our record (against Israel) over the last three years. Six games and only two wins tells a story of the challenge on Saturday.
“The biggest thing we have in our favour is having the game at Hampden.
“It’s a full house and history shows that’s always a great help to the manager and the Scottish players – and it always will be.
“When you boil it down, Scotland need to perform and get the result. It’s great we are now in a position to get second spot after an indifferent start where some were already writing us off after a few games.
“This isn’t a game where you just turn up and get a cap – it means so much more to everyone connected with Scotland.
“That is the pressure these players have on them to perform and get that result.
“That’s what it means to be an international player and why you are selected. We have fought our way here and now we need the team to actually go out and do it.”