Steve Clarke is set to make one of his boldest selection decisions of the World Cup ahead of Scotland’s decisive clash with Brazil.
With a place in the knockout stages potentially within reach, the Scotland manager appears ready to leave out one of his most trusted players in favour of a major defensive reshuffle.
The big call.
Grant Hanley has been a key figure throughout Clarke’s reign, earning more than 60 caps and becoming one of Scotland’s most dependable defenders over the years.
However, reports suggest the experienced centre-back could be dropped for the crucial meeting with Brazil.
Hanley came under scrutiny following Morocco’s early goal in Scotland’s 1-0 defeat, with pundits questioning whether Scotland need more pace and mobility at the back against world-class opposition.
McKenna set to return.
Scott McKenna looks set to benefit from the change.
The defender missed Scotland’s opening two matches through injury but has returned to full training and is now expected to come straight back into the starting lineup.
Former Scotland midfielder Andy Halliday believes the switch makes sense against Brazil’s attacking threat.
“McKenna would come in for me because I think we need a lot more athleticism at the back than Hanley can give you,” Halliday said.
The attacking boost.
Elsewhere, Ben Doak is expected to be handed a starting role after impressing whenever he has been introduced during the tournament.
The Bournemouth winger has provided Scotland with pace, direct running and creativity, giving Clarke another attacking weapon against Brazil.
Aaron Hickey remains a fitness concern, meaning Nathan Patterson could continue at right-back.
The likely lineup.
Scotland are expected to line up with:
Gunn; Patterson, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson; Doak, Ferguson, Christie, McGinn; McTominay; Adams.
The bottom line.
One of Steve Clarke’s most trusted players could be sacrificed for Scotland’s biggest match in years.
With Brazil standing between the Scots and history, the manager appears ready to make the toughest calls necessary.
