GOING ALL THE WAY

Since he will rack up a decade of loyal international service next year, it is reasonable to suggest James Morrison deserves some success.

Yet the midfielder will be thinking of Scott Brown tomorrow night against Slovakia as Scotland set out to complete the first part of a potential four-step mission to reach next summer’s World Cup.

Brown is of course absent from this and Sunday’s final qualifier against Slovenia due to injury. The first goal of securing a play-off place must be achieved without him.

Morrison knows it is not simply a case of “doing it for Broony”. There are too many others, including thousands of weary Tartan Army foot soldiers, who merit the chance to enjoy a major finals. Scotland are striving to reach Russia for everyone who has invested in the increasingly desperateseeming enterprise over the last two decades.

But Brown has been a member of the Scotland set-up since 2005. He is nearing 60 caps. He returned to international duty earlier in this campaign after reconsidering a decision to retire.

The Celtic skipper wanted one last chance to qualify for a major tournament. It is to his and Gordon Strachan’s immense frustration that he cannot contribute to what are, potentially, two cup finals. But the clash with Slovenia only becomes one if Scotland can claim three points against Slovakia. Brown’s presence on such a high-stakes night would be preferable. But Scotland have to pass this first test without him.

“Broony is a big part, a big character,” said Morrison. “He’s bubbly, he likes to have a laugh. It would be nice to get in that position so when he comes back we’ve still got something to play for.

“We’ve got potentially four massive games. If we do get the two wins your job isn’t done. You have to go and win a play-off.

“There’s no point getting to a play-off and having that nearly situation. We’ve got a job in hand and it’ll be fantastic for everyone involved and Scotland.

“A play-off isn’t all right,” he added. “It’s like getting to a semi and not performing and not getting to the final. We’ve got to keep the momentum, that’s the big thing.”

At least Brown – and clubmate and fellow significant absentee Stuart Armstrong – will likely be back in situ should Scotland reach the play-offs, which are scheduled

“A play-off isn’t all right. It’s like getting to a semi and not performing and not getting to the final. We’ve got to keep the momentum” “Wins breed confidence and performances. We’re in a good place. In the last campaign we started well and faded so hopefully it’s reversed”

JAMES MORRISON