Naismith is the main man to lead line...
BUT MILLER KNOWS STRIKER HAS TO BE FULLY FIT FOR SCOTS DUTY
WHEN it comes to Steve Clarke’s Scotland team selection, the problem facing the national team manager is striking.
John McGinn, scorer of six goals in his last three appearances for his country, is facing up to three months on the sidelines after fracturing his ankle in a match against Southampton.
Should the Aston Villa talisman fail to be back fit to face Israel in the Euro 2020 play-off semi-final in March, it would be a hammer blow that would only increase the burden on the few forwards Clarke has at his disposal.
Steven Naismith is currently his first choice and he led the line successfully in the final group qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan in November ahead of Oli McBurnie of Sheffield United and Dundee United’s Lawrence Shankland.
But the 51-times capped Hearts forward has endured an injury-plagued season as the troubled Tynecastle team has plummeted to the foot of the Premiership.
The 33-year-old was last seen coming off injured at half-time in a defeat at Hamilton on December 21 but he is pushing to be fit for his side’s Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at home to Airdrieonians on January 18.
Kenny Miller, his former strike partner with Rangers and Scotland, believes Naismith’s fitness — or lack of it — could potentially make or break Scotland’s hopes of reaching Euro 2020.
‘Which striker should lead the line if Scotland are to qualify? I think Steven Naismith — but a fully fit Steven Naismith,’ said Miller.
‘Up front is definitely a problem position for Scotland but a fully fit Naisy brings a bit of everything.
‘I know exactly what he brings to a team. I’ve played with him for club and country and he would be in my team every day of the week. And that is not an old pals’ act. It’s me looking at the bigger picture and at what’s best for the country and what’s required for the role.
‘There is a cleverness to Naisy’s play. He’s got the experience that Scotland need in and around the squad. He can hold the ball up, he works hard, he’s very strong in the air and he can pop up with a goal.
‘He unsettles defences but he also leads. He demands from his team-mates and he has a good effect on the players around him. ‘He brings the whole package. So, for me, a fully fit Naisy brings a lot to the table.’
Should Naismith not make it, Clarke could again turn to West Brom’s Oliver Burke, who is on loan at Spanish side Alaves. But the 22-year-old’s club career has faltered and he has never really set the heather alight for his country.
A fit and focused Leigh Griffiths would be an obvious contender but the troubled Celtic striker has not started a domestic game since August.
Kilmarnock’s Eamonn Brophy has been called up in the past by Clarke but has found the net just three times this term in a poor season for the struggling Rugby Park side.
Miller rates Shankland as a successful Scotland frontman of the future after the Tannadice striker’s red-hot form in the Championship earned him a surprise first call-up for qualifiers against Russia and San Marino in October.
But Naismith remains the Partick Thistle forward’s one and only choice in the present day as the striker capable of ending Scotland’s 22-year absence from major finals.
‘Shankland is coming through and he’s having a fantastic season with Dundee United,’ said Miller.
‘He can only learn and get better from being involved with Scotland.
‘The level of player around him, and not just the strikers, will help him improve and help him get to where he wants to go.
‘There’s no doubt if he keeps performing at the level he has done then he can do well for Scotland because I believe there’s more to Lawrence Shankland than just his goals.
‘Just like Kris Boyd, a lot of people look only at Lawrence’s goals.
‘Putting the ball in the back of the net is the most important thing but there’s more to Lawrence than that. ‘When you know what you are talking about, you can see it and his first four or five touches when he came on against Russia were really assured and clever. ‘He was putting himself in the right positions to help his team get up the pitch.
‘The wheels fell off for the team in the last half hour and Lawrence wasn’t seen much as an attacking force. But I could see good wee signs in his game.
‘Other than that, I think Leigh Griffiths would be another obvious option up front for Scotland.
‘If he is back at his best and fully fit by March, then he would be vying for that position.
‘Oli McBurnie is playing in the Premier League and he cost Sheffield United £18million. That’s a lot of money and he is another option.
‘But I think Naisy is the best suited to the role. If you look at our midfield and our wide men we have some very strong players. Naisy can bring it all together.
‘I was delighted to see Naisy get his 50th cap against Cyprus in November and to see him lead the team out on the day.
‘It was well deserved. He has been a fantastic servant for the country and a really good player.
‘He is still the best of what’s available. For me, a fully fit Naisy is the best option for Scotland.’