Unbeaten record at stake for Scots
A game that could stand as Malky Mackay’s first and last as Scotland manager might accumulate yet greater significance.
Not since 1970, when they played only four matches, have Scotland survived a full calendar year without losing. This achievement, were it to come by avoiding defeat in Aberdeen against the Netherlands tonight, would provide only cold comfort in the great scheme of things.
Eight European countries still harbour hopes of reaching the World Cup via play-offs that kick off tonight. Scotland are not among them. Their dreams have long since been extinguished, as have those of Dick Advocaat’s Dutch side.
Advocaat is hanging on as manager for the time being, confirming only yesterday that will step aside after Tuesday’s friendly with Romania. But Scotland are already seeking to move on from the Gordon Strachan era. Mackay is framing tonight’s friendly as another new beginning. Pittodrie seems to attract such matches, since it’s here where Strachan’s reign began with a 1-0 win over Estonia on a freezing February night in 2013.
In what seem set to be similarly inclement conditions, Mackay is viewing this evening as a chance for players to throw off the shackles of tournament football. The interim manager wants them to step out of the negativity he seems surprised has been directed at his squad choices.
Kris Boyd, in particular, has provided his hot take on Mackay’s bolder decisions, branding the cadre of Aberdeen players called up as a “laughing stock”, included only to lure locals to the game. Boyd, pictured below right, was also critical of Ryan Jack, who, he claimed, has had more red cards than good games for Rangers this season.
Mackay claims he had no option but to look at those such as Ryan Christie, Kenny Mclean and Jack – players who fit the profile of being in their early-to-mid-twenties and who are excelling for their clubs.
“Come Euro 2020 there are extra places available, as we all know, and some of the games are going to be played at Hampden and we obviously want to start qualifying again,” said Mackay. “That being the case, we have got to allow players the chance to bed in to international football if we think they have got a chance.
“Now, the guys who are picked in this squad are all playing at the best level in Scotland, some play in England. They are all there for a reason.
“It is not all doom and gloom,” he added. “It’s why the group was picked – it was picked to show there is young talent in Scotland coming through. We have to give them the best chance.
“Plenty people constantly knock Scottish football into the gutter and eventually there might be a point when it never recovers – we might be halfway there already. There is enough people criticising. But I am on the other side of that. I see talent in Scotland.
“Everyone needs a hand, unless you are exceptional. I will certainly be one of those actually helping Scottish