THERE were a few heads scratched when Scotland manager Gordon Strachan named two separate squads for the matches against the Czech Republic and Denmark.
The 1-0 victory in Prague has already justified Strachan’s decision and victory over Denmark at Hampden Park tonight would enable him to say that he has uncovered strength in depth that Scotland did not know it had.
He has also been able to blood some fresh talent – Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean won his first cap after in Prague, as did Tony Watt, the Charlton striker on loan with Blackburn, and Birmingham’s Paul Caddis.
Five more uncapped players come into the reckoning against Denmark – Kieran Tierney, Scott Bain, Jamie Murphy, John McGinn, Oliver Burke and Liam Cooper. Most likely to be seen tonight is Celtic left-back Tierney, who is set to earn his first senior cap at the age of just 18.
Nottingham Forest’s midfielder Burke, Dundee goalkeeper Bain, Leeds defender Cooper, Hibs midfielder McGinn and Brighton winger Murphy are also possible debutants, perhaps from the bench, something Burke in particular is used to, as he has only made six starts and came off the bench 13 times for his English Championship club.
Strachan said: “I’ve seen him a right few times now and seen his debut and he impressed and I’ve got to say he has impressed everyone here so far.
“If you are playing in a successful team, you are ready for international level.
“It doesn’t matter to me if you are Gordon Greer at 34-35, or Oliver Burke at 18.”
Tierney has ousted Honduras international Emilio Izaguirre from Celtic’s starting line-up.
Strachan said: “He has played European football against top sides, so that’s been a benefit to him and to Celtic and to us.
“He did not look out of place in the games I seen him
.”
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