Celtic stars James Forrest and Anthony Ralston have NOT been named in the Scotland squad for the remaining two World Cup qualifiers away to Moldova and at home to run-away group leaders Denmark. If Scotland can win against Moldova then the match against Denmark becomes academic as Scotland will have secured the Play-off spot by the time the Great Danes pitch up at Hampden probably seeking to secure a perfect 100% win record in the group.
If Scotland slip up in Moldova then Steve Clarke could be faced with having to get something from the Denmark game at Hampden if the Scottish World Cup hopes are to be kept alive.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor and his midfield teammate David Turnbull are the two Celtic players in Steve Clarke’s squad. That means that James Forrest, just back from injury at the weekend, misses out as does Anthony Ralston who surely can feel hard done by given this outstanding form for Celtic this season.
Former Celts in the Scotland squad announced today are Craig Gordon, Jack Hendry, Kieran Tierney, Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Christie.
Moldova v Scotland kicks off at 5pm on Friday 12 November while the Scotland v Denmark match at Hampden is on Monday 15 November with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Denmark top the group with 24 points from 8 games while Scotland are in second place with 17 points, 4 ahead of Thord placed Israel who have 13 points. They will be hoping Scotland drop points in Moldova and then lose to Denmark, with them winning their matches to deny Scotland that play-off spot.
So this Moldova match is absolutely massive from a Scottish perspective.
Your Scotland squad for our @FIFAWorldCup qualifiers against Moldova and Denmark. pic.twitter.com/QPASMTvy5e
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 2, 2021
The fact Ralston is not in the Scotland squad is a mystery to me HH pic.twitter.com/WNmsb6esRl
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) November 2, 2021
Deo Gratis. Ralston deserves call up more than Turnbull but Celtic will need both Forrest and him injury free going forward.