The spring international break has come and gone. 2 challenge games against very capable opposition, both ended in 1-0 defeats. The performance v Japan at Hampden was the less inspiring of the 2. Further, while not great v the Ivorians, Scotland had much more attacking intent and goal attempts. We profile here 3 players with enhanced prospects from those 2 games, ahead of Steve Clarke picking his Scotland World Cup squad.
Scott Bain
Bain and Liam Kelly were given half a game each versus Cote D’Ivoire at Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool. It’s been suggested that e.g., Angus Gunn not playing regular 1st team club football, is less of an issue for a GK than for an outfield player. However, Kelly’s performance cast doubt on that idea. He looked ponderous and uncertain in his 45 minutes. Specifically, Kelly’s ball-watching of Elye Wahi shot across goal, allowed the ball to rebound off the post into the goalmouth. Consequently, that gave Nicolas Pepe a can’t-miss tap in. Jon McCracken and other keepers hoping for a seat on the plane, will have seen with interest.
In contrast, Bain coming on at half-time looked more confident, including his smart left-handed save denying Amad Diallo. Angus Gunn and Craig Gordon if fit remain likeliest to take the plane to America’s first 2 seats. However, Bain can quietly feel his prospects are enhanced of taking the squad’s 3rd GK spot. And not because he hobnobbed in the break with political high-heid-yins.
George Hirst
The 2 games in March were a chance for the Tartan Army to get a serious look at the big centre-forward. Hirst can at least feel that he has shown attributes that ask questions of defences; physique, height and mobility. The service Hirst received didn’t provide him with any clear-cut scoring opportunities. However, his attempts on goal though signalled his clear desire to fill Scotland’s need for a regular goalscorer.
Hirst was the most dangerous Scots forward on show in the 2 games. Tommy Conway, played on the left. Conway will thus point out that he wasn’t given a chance through the centre in the way Hirst, Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes were. Hirst’s inaccurate attempts on goal suggest more shooting practice would further enhance his Scotland World Cup squad prospects.
Oli McBurnie
McBurnie previously stated that he had been notified that he was in consideration for the November squad. Injury though ruled him out of contention for those games v Greece and Denmark. Recovered from that injury, he has 13 goals and 7 assists in England’s 2nd tier this season. They are the best goal contribution stats for any Scots forward this season. He is a much improved footballer and matured personality, from when he last represented Scotland 5 years ago. Hence, McBurnie’s omission from the March squad raised many eyebrows.
Even with Hirst’s improved reputation, the need for goals remains glaring to transform an ultimately impotent, goalless attack. Only Steve Clarke knows why he didn’t select McBurnie. Is it though too late for McBurnie to be considered for the Scotland World Cup squad?
Wildcard
And while he hasn’t played for the 1st team, this youngster is very much worth looking at.
