No Scotland genealogy miracle with latest squad despite Serie A growth

Oh that there was such a tome. Goalkeepers do not grow on trees, Clarke has already stressed. It’s something the Scottish football authorities need to look at in the hope of helping the next Scottish head coach and more realistically, the ones after that.

As it stands, Zander Clark, Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly are Scotland's goalkeeping trio ahead of such vital matches, only one of whom is playing regularly. Even this normally welcome news isn’t bringing Clarke much comfort. Such has been Zander Clark’s less than impressive start to the season with Hearts – three goals flashed by him in Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Motherwell – that the Tynecastle club are reported to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, with Craig Gordon still some way off a first-team return.

Clark, Gunn and Kelly is how the order goes on the squad sheet, which was published at midday today. This is because it’s alphabetical although it might not be too different from the arrangement when it comes to first, second and third choice, given Clark is at least playing. Gunn, Clarke’s preferred choice, was on the bench for Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday. Kelly has yet to appear for Rangers this season.

In happier news, the most uplifting selection is that of full-back Aaron Hickey, who returns to a Scotland squad for the first time since October 2023 after making two substitute appearances for Brentford this season in the Premier League. He has fought back from a serious hamstring injury and while no one expects him to be up to speed quite yet, it’s a huge positive to have him back.

Elsewhere, it’s startling to note that, with Lennon Miller’s move to Udinese, half of Clarke’s midfield options currently operate in Serie A, with Scott McTominay, Italy’s best player last season, leading the way. The 29-year-old Blackburn Rovers defender is recalled at centre-half while Grant Hanley is present and correct following his move to Hibs.

Up front, Clarke lists only four players – perhaps suspecting that ahead of two difficult away games, it’s all about keeping it tight. But Tartan Army fans will be relieved one of them is Kieron Bowie, whose wonder goal for Hibs against Partizan Belgrade in front of the watching Clarke was of course eye-catching but is far from the only reason his inclusion seemed beyond debate.