Steve will be buzzing to get started again. It’s just a pity the Tartan Army won’t be there to see it
“He is coming back as a League champion, and we all know how passionate he is about his country.
“Of course, the big question now is where Steve decides to play both of them. It’s not an easy one but at least we are talking about two of the very best players in the business. “They will provide quality, regardless of where they play in the team.”
Tierney and Robertson won’t have played for more than a month by the time the Scotland game comes around.
It’s the same for the likes of John McGinn, Oli McBurnie and John Fleck. McFadden knows it isn’t ideal, but he isn’t overly concerned.
He explained: “You would prefer the lads to have had four or five games, of course, but it’s not to be.
“They will have been back in full training with their clubs by then, and in more-than-decent condition.
“You then have the likes of Scott McTominay at Manchester United, and hopefully they are involved in the Europa League right through.
“John McGinn will be on a high because of staying up in the Premier League with Aston Villa. He is another one who probably wouldn’t have been available in March, but is now.
“Oli McBurnie really looked the part after lockdown. He made a massive contribution to Sheffield United.
“We are probably a wee bit light in options in the central-striker role. But a plus point for Steve will be that Lawrence Shankland is now in the top flight in Scotland, and playing weekly for Dundee United against tougher opposition. That can only be beneficial.
“Stevie Naismith is also in the frame and it would be better if Hearts were playing again, but he will still be in good condition.
“Stephen O’Donnell doesn’t have a club yet, and the same applies to Ryan Fraser.
“It’s the same for all of those guys in terms of having a wee concern with regards to match fitness and sharpness.
“Look, it’s not perfect but the manager has trust in the guys and they all look after themselves very well off the park.
“Closer to home, Callum McGregor,
Ryan Christie, James Forrest and Ryan Jack are all playing every week and playing under a high level of pressure with the Old Firm. Steve will be delighted about that.”
It’s highly unlikely the Tartan Army will be allowed into Hampden for the game next month, and McFadden knows that is a setback.
He said: “Everybody has missed football, and the Scotland fans will be the same.
“They’d love to be able to get in next month but we are maybe not at that stage yet.
“It could well be that there is more flexibility for the game in October, and that would be great.
“Having the fans inside Hampden for the Euro Play-off semi-final would be a huge bonus.
“They will want to play their part in trying to help the team qualify for the Euros in the summer of 2021.
“We all know it’s been strange for everyone in the past five months, but there appears to be a wee bit of normality coming back. “But it’s one day at a time, right enough. “The stage is set for a cracker, and I hope it leads to a win and the Play-off Final against either Norway or Serbia.
“It’s very exciting because the whole country has the same aim and that is to be at the tournament next summer. “It’s a tall order, but we do have a good squad of players. “Having worked with them, I know how determined they are to succeed.
“They have desire and they have talent.
“It’s a good combination, and hopefully it sees the country through in the next two or
three months.”