Scotland face France in Lille this evening in an international friendly. The latest instalment of the Auld Alliance comes days after Scotland secured qualification to the European championships in Germany next summer. Steve Clarke
Didier Deschamps’ World Cup Finalists will be keen themselves to record a win but there is the possibility that the former Marseille defender opts to shuffle his pack and spread the game time.
Team News
Scotland go into the game without ex-Celt Kieran Tierney, who sustained an injury while on loan with Real Sociedad from Arsenal. Ryan Jack and Kevin Nisbet withdrawing due to injury. Neither were likely to be involved in any case. However, after defeat to Spain, full-back duo Andy Robertson and Aaron Hickey are out. This means that we could see Greg Taylor handed a rare start with ex-Motherwell starlet Max Johnston being called up as cover. The Celtic fullback is well worth the start due to his sparkling form last season.
Given the opposition, you wouldn’t be surprised if Clarke played his strongest team with Angus Gunn starting in goals. Nathan Patterson in at right wingback, Taylor on the left then Ryan Porteous, Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna in the middle three.
In midfield, Celtic star Callum Gregor will likely start alongside Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay with John McGinn further forward playing off the striker. This striker could very well be Lyndon Dykes, who caused Spain some problems.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Zander Clark (Heart of Midlothian), Angus Gunn (Norwich City), Liam Kelly (Motherwell);
Defenders: Liam Cooper (Leeds United), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Scott McKenna (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Ryan Porteous (Watford), John Souttar (theRangers), Greg Taylor (Celtic);
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Brighton), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Manchester United);
Forwards: Ché Adams (Southampton), Jacob Brown (Luton Town), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lyndon Dykes (Queens Park Rangers).
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 8pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game can be watched on Viaplay 1 with coverage beginning at 7:30pm.
It will be a test of where Scotland are this evening and one that Clarke and the rest of the team will be relishing.
