Losers may still come up trumps
SCOTLAND could be invited to take part in a “World Cup of losers” tournament proposed by the USA for countries who failed to get to Russia 2018.
The list of nations who won’t be at the World Cup next year includes America, Italy, Holland, Chile, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana. Also on the list are Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
US Soccer chiefs have confirmed they are exploring the possibility of an eight-team tournament which would take place before the World Cup starts on June 14.
With all 32 spots for the finals taken there are some huge countries who won’t be in Russia and some surprising qualifiers including first-time entrants Panama and Egypt, who hadn’t reached the showpiece since 1990.
Peru will also be there, their first involvement in a World Cup finals since 1982.
USA football bosses are trying to recoup an estimated £10million shortfall due to not qualifying for Russia.
And American media outlets are also trying to get cash back after spending millions to cover a World Cup without their own nation being there.
Scotland have no games scheduled for next year at the moment, although they have been asked to play in Morocco in March, with Argentina also approached to take part in a three-team mini-league.
Scotland begin Nations League qualifiers in September next year and their new manager is desperate to play friendlies before then.
The SFA would relish the chance of playing in the USA tournament – if Scotland are regarded as a glamorous enough draw.