Captaincy conundrum has a simple solution
The SFA went back in time to make Alex McLeish Scotland manager.
But the first squad of Big Eck’s second spell in charge needs to be one for the future.
Manchester United star Scott McTominay is set to be named after picking Scotland over England – quite sensibly, too!
But there is still plenty to speculate on before tomorrow’s big announcement.
Could there be call-ups from the Under-21 ranks, such as Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna, Hearts’ John Souttar and Swansea’s on-loan striker Oli McBurnie, currently tearing up the Championship with Barnsley?
What about a left-field nod nobody is predicting? All of those questions need answers. But the big one one is this – who will be made captain following Scott Brown’s decision to retire from Scotland duty?
Darren Fletcher is still on the scene and has made it known he’s available if Alex McLeish wants him.
At 33, Hearts skipper Christophe Berra also fits the bill as an experienced member of the old guard.
But I reckon Alex should make a bold call by appointing a captain with an eye on the decade ahead, rather than the one behind.
And for me, there are two stand-out candidates – Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney.
Robbo has been an absolute revelation since swapping Hull City for Liverpool in the summer.
He had to bide his time at first, thanks to Alberto Moreno’s good form. But he has now made the Anfield left-back role his own.
Understandably, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan.
Asked whether Robertson had the attributes to take over as Scotland captain, the German was emphatic.
“100% yes,” was his answer. “Robbo would, for sure, be the future. If you want somebody smart, he’s a really good option.”
Anybody who has spoken to the Liverpool star – who turns 24 today – can vouch for his intelligence.
But he proved his class to the wider world during the week by sending a young Liverpool fan, who donated his pocket money to a local foodbank, a signed Roberto Firmino shirt.
That was a captain’s gesture, without a doubt.
But, for me, he’s not the man who should be handed the Scotland armband.
Kieran Tierney will be competing with Robertson for the national left-back role.
He may even lose that battle because he’s more adaptable.
However, one thing is for sure. Whether it’s at left-back, right-back, left wing or wherever he’s needed, Tierney will play.
And the Celtic star has something important over his rival – experience of being a skipper.
He may be three years younger than Robertson, but Tierney has already captained Celtic.
Even more importantly, he has already captained his country.
Kieran took the armband for Scotland’s friendly clash with Holland in November, becoming the fourth-youngest ever to do the job.
Let me tell you, at his age, that would have been a serious burden to bear. So would leading Celtic out at Parkhead. But Kieran shouldered the expectations of both like the star he is, and proved he has the guts to match his talent. It’s a big decision for Alex to ponder. But for me, the solution is obvious. KT for the captaincy.
Robbo has been an absolute revelation since swapping Hull City for Liverpool in the summer