Anthony Ralston starts in Zagreb for Scotland as Steve Clarke’s side take on Croatia in a crucial UEFA Nations League encounter…
Anthony Ralston of Celtic celebrates after the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian FC and Celtic FC at on October 27, 2021 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The Celtic right-back will make his 13th cap for his country tonight and a seventh consecutive appearance becoming a mainstay in this Scotland squad.
Following two recent defeats in the last international camp, Scotland currently sit bottom of their Nations League group on 0 points.
Their opponents Croatia which features 39 year-old midfield icon Luka Modric are 2nd in the table, three points behind league leaders Portugal who have won their first two matches.
It is one win in 14 for Steve Clarke and with the pressure mounting up on the former Kilmarnock boss, points are a necessity and tonight could be a chance for Scotland to regain some momentum heading into an extremely tough test at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening against Roberto Martinez’s Portugal.
Tartan Army have travelled in their numbers
Meanwhile, the Tartan Army have travelled in their numbers to Croatia’s capital. The last time they saw Scotland win a competitive match away from home was 8 September 2023 in a convincing 3-0 victory over Cyprus.
Depleted with injuries, senior members of the squad such as Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Angus Gunn and Aaron Hickey are all absent for the upcoming games.
Greg Taylor of Scotland is seen prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between Scotland and Russia at Hampden Park on September 06, 2019. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Greg Taylor and James Forrest both missing
Following Celtic duo Greg Taylor and James Forrest pulling out the squad, Anthony Ralston is the only member of the travelling pack to Zagreb who plays for the Scottish champions.
Scotland supporters can watch the match on the Scotland National Team YouTube channel. The game is be free-to-air with rights holders Viaplay producing and hosting the coverage. The game is underway after kicking off at 5pm Celtic Park Time. Currently the score is 0-0.
Croatia starting XI; Livakovic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol, Perisic, Modric, Pasalic, Sosa, Sucic, Kramaric, Matanovic.
Scotland starting XI: Gordon, Robertson, Hanley, Souttar, Ralston, McLean, Gilmour, Christie, McTominay, Doak, Dykes
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