Kieran Tierney's return boosts Scotland's squad options

Scotland's head coach Steve Clarke is facing some tough decisions ahead of the Nations League play-off against Greece. The return of defender Kieran Tierney has given him a lot to consider. Tierney missed previous matches due to a hamstring injury he sustained during Euro 2024. The 27-year-old player from Arsenal has played limited minutes, starting only twice since late December. He is a key player for Clarke, often positioned in a back three. However, Scotland performed well without him, using two central defenders and finishing third in their group, avoiding automatic relegation. Clarke mentioned that having Tierney back provides them with more options for the match. The team had success recently, winning games against Croatia and Poland. They adjusted their strategy by using a back four, which worked well for them. Clarke noted the importance of fresh ideas while also valuing experienced players in the challenging atmosphere of the game. Some players, including winged Ben Doak and striker Lyndon Dykes, are unavailable for the match due to injury or suspension. Young players James Wilson and Lennon Miller have been called up but might not play in Athens. Clarke emphasized the need for experienced players to handle the pressure of the match against Greece. Greece recently surprised many by defeating England at Wembley. Clarke aims to keep Scotland in League A, as they have worked hard to reach this level in the Nations League. He stressed that they want to maintain their position after the return leg at home.