THE MONDAY JURY
1 Steve Clarke says he needs to get to Euro 2024 to have a shot at World Cup 2026. Will he make it?
Fingers crossed. It’s easy to stick the boot into Clarke after last week’s no-show against Ukraine but let’s not forget how far this team has come under him. Despite not making it to Qatar, he has us in a good place.
Clarke has shown he can get Scotland to a Euros and the upcoming Nations League matches are vitally important to keep a second door to qualification open.
Clarke’s making demands of his team and I like that. There is no doubt the quality in the group is good enough to get to Germany but so much depends on the draw as well as avoiding injuries to key players.
There is no doubt this team can make it. They showed as much by getting to Euro 2020. It will come down to producing big results when it matters and they will need to learn from the pain of the Ukraine game.
2 How will Clarke’s team fare against Armenia and the Republic of Ireland over the next six days?
Two wins will be required to get everything back on track. There is no reason why Clarke won’t get them.
Six points out of six. Scotland will be too good for Armenia on home soil and the Irish are toiling badly.
It’s time to bury the anger and pain of last week to go and grab two victories. Nothing less. Neither will be a pushover and Armenia’s defeat of Ireland on Saturday is all the warning we need for Wednesday.
Both will be difficult. A lot will depend on the physical and mental state of the Scotland players. If there is a positive reaction, then I am sure they can win both.
3 With Lyndon Dykes out, would you give Ross Stewart a crack at Armenia?
He’ll certainly get some game time but may have to wait his turn from the bench. With a win needed, Clarke may opt to start with Ryan Christie playing behind Che Adams.
Maybe off the bench. Adams with a No.10 type such as Christie just off him may be a better bet.
I’d have been looking to start Stewart even if Dykes was fit. The big man is flying high in performance and confidence. He brings pace, power and a serious goal threat. He’s more than worth a start.
I’d love to see him win his first cap. He is bang in form and scoring goals. He is full of confidence and I can see him playing some part, although we also have Jacob Brown. I think it will be Adams and Christie who will start.
4 How do you think Scott Brown and Paul Hartley will do at Fleetwood Town and Hartlepool respectively?
Hopefully they’ll smash it. But there is a risk attached to going into England at such a low level. Should they struggle to make any impact, they might find themselves dropping off the managerial map.
Brown is going straight into it and has a club ambitious to do well. Hartley has proven his talents at Cove Rangers. Both can shine brightly and exceed expectations.
It’s a tough baptism for Brown. League One is competitive with some big clubs. Hartley’s nous should see him do OK. He’s still young but has been in the dugout a long time now.
Both are difficult jobs. They are at clubs who don’t tend to look long term with bosses. Hartley has experience while it will be a bit harder for Brown in his first managerial job. Both will need good starts.