Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Strach weighs up Sparky role
SCOTLAND boss Gordon Strachan pointed out the selection dilemmas he faces ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Canada.
The match at Easter Road will serve as a warm-up for the crunch 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovenia at Hampden Park on Sunday.
Strachan confirmed Leigh Griffiths will be the only one of the six Celtic players in his squad that will be considered f or selection in Edinburgh.
The Hoops have had a heavy fixture list t his season, with their 2-1 win at Dundee on Sunday taking them within one win of their sixth successive l eague title but Griffiths has not started a game in 2017.
However, Strachan also pointed out that several other members of his squad have not been regulars for their clubs.
The Scotland gaffer said: “As you have noticed about this squad there are a lot of players who don’t play regularly.
“First of all we are using the game to win and feel better about themselves, and these guys need minutes. So t here i s a balance needed which is imperative.
“We have five strikers and, at the weekend, only one of t hem started. It wasn’t just at the weekend, it has happened before, that’s the way it is.
“That is the same with most of the players, that’s where we are at the moment but that’s no problem, we have dealt with that before.”
Celtic skipper Scott Brown, l eft-back Kieran T i e r n ey, k e e p e r C r a i g Gordon, winger James Forrest and uncapped midfielder Stuart Armstrong will not be called upon by the former Hoops boss.
Strachan said: “They have played a lot of games. Broony is up to 40 games.
“Leigh has not had as many games.
“He could be the exception and probably will see minutes tomorrow.”