Billy Gilm special X comes alo
It is a source of no little pleasure for Billy Stark that he can proudly claim to be the only Scotland manager with a 100% win record.
No wonder.
With greats such as Jock Stein, Sir Alex Ferguson and Walter Smith all under half that figure over their stints in charge, it is quite a boast to be able to make – if only in jest.
As the 64-year-old admits himself, it is the fact he was only in a charge for a single game that makes all the difference.
Scotland’s current Under- 19s coach led the country to a 2- 1 friendly win in Luxembourg back in November, 2012.
His cameo turn, sandwiched between the Craig Levein and Gordon Strachan eras, is probably best remembered for the Jordan Rhodes hat- trick that never was.
The striker scored three, but had one erroneously chopped off for offside which at the time cost him the chance to be the first Scotland player to achieve the feat since Colin Stein in 1969.
Less well- known – but more relevant as Steve Clarke ponders his selection for Tu e s d a y ’ s announcement of the squad for this
Josh reads the game well, is committed in the tackle and aggressive in the air, where his height is in his favour
month’s World Cup qualifiers – is the fact he also used the match to give a debut to one Leigh Griffiths.
While the Hoops striker remains arguably the country’s best finisher, his inclusion in the group to face Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands later this month is by no means certain as he has not been starting for Celtic, and doubts remain about his fitness.
Instead, the national coach could look to the future and use the space in his group to get an exciting young talent such as 19- year- old Billy Gilmour, Josh Doig, just 18, or David Turnbull, a comparative veteran at 21, involved.
“I haven’t worked with David, so I can’t say much other than he is in great form at club level with Celtic. But I know the other two boys well, and they are terrific types,” said Stark.
“Josh has exploded on to the scene here, and made a big impact at Hibs this season.
“The way he flies down the left wing has impressed everybody.
“He can get his team up the pitch, has a good final ball and showed what he is capable of when opening his account with a fine goal the other week.
“But – and I can testify to this having had him in my sides – he is also a proper defender.
“He reads the game well, is committed in the tackle, and aggressive in the air, where the fact he is a tall, upright lad is in his favour.
“We played him at left centreback, as well as left- back, and he was excellent there. So much so, in fact, I could see him going on to be a