Scotland make decision on starting Ben Gannon-Doak against Brazil as World Cup history beckons

A point against Carlo Ancelotti’s side in Miami on Wednesday night would almost certainly see the Scots qualify for the second stage for the first-ever time. Even a defeat, as long as it is not too extreme, should see Scotland scramble into the last 32.

Clarke would prefer to qualify by beating Brazil for the first time in 11 attempts. Providing there are no fitness issues, Gannon-Doak, who played the last half an hour of Friday’s 1-0 defeat against Morocco, will return to the team. The winger started the 1-0 win over Haiti in the first match and had a part to play in Scotland’s winning goal.

Aaron Hickey, meanwhile, looks set to miss out having missed training in Charlotte, the team's base, on Monday. The Brentford full-back played the first 75 minutes against Haiti but was absent against Morocco, although he was named on the bench. Clarke has much to occupy his mind. Hickey and Gannon-Doak had been hoped to link up together on the right and they showed flashes of this synergy in the opening game. With or without Hickey, Clarke won’t hesitate to bring Gannon-Doak back against Brazil.

“I know I get questioned all the time about Ben Gannon-Doak,” said Clarke. “Listen, he’s a player who can bring us something different. But my job as head coach is to make sure I use him and utilise him at the right time. It doesn’t always necessarily need to be from the start, but I’m not scared to start anybody if I think he can make the team better.”

Clarke needs to be cautious with Gannon-Doak in what are exacting climate conditions. The winger missed a large portion of last season after seriously injuring his hamstring against Denmark on the night Scotland qualified for the World Cup. He had started a game against Greece just a few days earlier.

He dropped out against Morocco as Clarke changed the shape of the team slightly. The manager sent him on after 60 minutes in an attempt to take advantage of the tiring Moroccans.

Clarke has also defended Scott McTominay following criticism that he has yet to reach peak form at this World Cup. The Napoli midfielder was seen remonstrating with his teammates during a water break against Morocco in a scene widely interpreted as summing up the player’s frustrations so far.

He has still been involved in notable moments, including hitting the post against Haiti. He was also felled late on against Morocco in what many felt was a penalty. As far as Clarke is concerned, McTominay is meeting expectations.

“Scott is fine,” he said. “It is a very, very British thing. You put people on the pedestal then you look to chop them down. I have got no idea why.

“He has done everything that he's been asked to do in the games, he has tried as hard as he can. He hasn't had the influence on the game, but he hit the post against Haiti and he had the shots against Morocco in the last game. He looks a goal threat going forward. If he continues to be a goal threat in game three or game four, then hopefully he will end up getting the headlines that he deserves.”