Adams or Shankland? Experts select their Scotland squad
Adams or Shankland? Experts select their Scotland squad.
Scotland will play Germany in Munich to begin the 2024 European Championship.
As the anticipation grows, we asked the Scotland-based experts on BBC Sport for their opinions on
Steve Clarke’s starting lineup.
For me, the positions in the middle of the back three, right wing-back, and center-forward are where the big choices lie.
Since Ryan Porteous of Norwich City hasn’t played much this season and appeared a touch rusty against Finland,
which is to be expected, I’ve chosen him over Grant Hanley. That’s why I’ve chosen Watford’s Porteous.
Right wing-back The same rationale that led me to choose Ross McCrorie over Anthony
Ralston has also affected my choice of center back. While Ralston has found it difficult to acquire
regular playing time for Celtic, McCrorie had a strong second half of the season while playing for Bristol City.
Che Adams or Lawrence Shankland have been the main topics of conversation. Although Shankland is
undoubtedly the better finisher of the two and is coming off of a fantastic goal-scoring season for
Heart of Midlothian, I believe Steve Clarke will choose Adams’ quickness and energy.
At times, Scotland will need to play defense, and Adams can counterattack quickly. Additionally,
he is a fantastic choice should Scotland wish to lead from the front.
With our injury problems, right wing-back is a problem position. Ross McCrorie may provide us
with better defensive play, but Anthony Ralston contributes offensively.
There is a major choice to be made when attacking. It is, in my opinion, a 50/50 call and the manager’s hardest choice.
If we are lucky enough to get two or three, I would want Lawrence Shankland to be in the
middle of the box because the chances will be limited.
That’s why I’ve accompanied him.
Billy Gilmour is not my choice for midfield; I’ve gone with Scott McTominay. Gilmour is a fantastic midfield player,
but McTominay would play if healthy since he can score goals. He can also physically contribute.
The only reason I chose Ross McCrorie for right wing back instead of Aaron Hickey or
Nathan Patterson is because of their respective player profiles.
McCrorie, in my opinion, is the next big thing. Having played more games than Ralston recently,
he has the ability to move his team up the field given Scotland’s strategy of being more compact and
attempting to play on the transition. He fits the perfect profile.
‘Thommo’ and Neil have passed on him, but I have chosen Billy Gilmour. It seems to me that
Steve Clarke needs a reliable middle reliever who can take the ball under extreme circumstances.
A lot of them can do that, but Gilmour can be trusted. He is the link player.
I have listened to him speak in the build-up about getting composure early, whereas I think
Ryan Christie is more about getting at them.
In defence there are a few choices at centre-half, but I have picked Ryan Porteous
to keep his place. I think he has been really consistent. Grant Hanley has been injured,
but I did not think he looked up to speed when he has come back in. I do not think it would be the worst
thing if he missed the first game and built from there.
In attack, it is a bit controversial to start Lawrence Shankland. I do not think that is what
Steve Clarke will go for, but it is my preference given the goals and the season he has had.
If I wanted a shot to drop to one of our strikers, it would be him.
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