AndyDD

We had 11 defenders in the last squad, out of 25, for 2 games. 26 spaces to fill for the euros squad, and I doubt we're going top heavy with strikers. McGinn, McTominay, McGregor, Gilmour, McLean, Christie, Armstrong, Fraser or maybe Brown, Adams, Dykes, Shankland. I'm not sure who, if anyone, goes along on top of those names as additional midfielders or strikers, meaning the rest is going to be defenders and goalies.

With Tierney in the squad, you really only need Robertson and A N Other left back. Doig seems the sensible choice there ahead of Taylor, on the basis that he looks to be playing a decent number of games in Serie A and at 21 is more likely to feature in euro and world cup campaigns of the future so, if taking someone to be the spare, may as well go with the future. Taylor is probably who Clarke will opt for, though, I know. Right back is trickier, because whilst Hickey will have had 8 months or so of training, it will be a gradual build up of training and he won't have played in so long, meaning I think you want to bring 2 other options there to cover. Assuming for the moment Patterson doesn't make it back in time, McCrorie and Ralston the other two? I'm operating admittedly on the assumption that we go with 6 CBs, Tierney, 2 LBs, 3 RBs(including Hickey). Could drop a CB for a 3rd LB. Could drop a CM for 3rd LB, instead, if you wanted to (I'm expecting we take 5 centre mids though, rather than 6).

Airdrieonians 2-1 Dundee United Arbroath 0-1 QP Dunfermline 1-1 ICT Morton 0-2 Raith Partick Thistle 2-0 Ayr

Admittedly I've not put much thought into the issue and I also accept that it's wildly, ridiculously unlikely to ever happen, but I'd be for a top 2 promoted, bottom 2 relegated scenario, with a home and away playoff between 3rd bottom and 3rd top.

ICT 1-1 Raith Arbroath 1-1 Morton Dundee United 3-0 Ayr Dunfermline 1-0 Queen's Park Partick 1-2 Airdrie

Morton 1-3 Dundee Utd Airdrie 1-0 Dunfermline Ayr 2-0 Arbroath QP 1-0 ICT Raith 2-2 Partick

If they'd just delayed kickoff against rangers until later on that same day (assuming the Dundee official who said it would be fine to play later that afternoon was right) then it wouldnae really matter, would it? They'd be able to play this game in the coming week if Dens isn't playable on Saturday. Of course, we just had a midweek there during which the Dundee v rangers fixture could have easily been played, too. That would have also taken the pressure off any potential rescheduling of this fixture.

Airdrie 2-0 Morton Dunfermline 2-2 Partick ICT 0-0 Arbroath QP 0-2 Dundee Utd Raith 1-1 Ayr

Replicate the first half from Friday and we'll create enough chances to be a few goals up by the break; Northern Ireland won't be able to live with that. Then we can start giving some minutes to other squad members if we like. On that basis, minimal changes to the starting line-up, try and be more clinical than Friday (even though the number of chances created ought to be a lot higher), get them sworded relatively early and use the squad accordingly for the second half/last half hour.

Ayr 0-2 Airdrie Arbroath 1-1 Dunfermline Dundee United 1-1 Raith Rovers Morton 0-1 Queen's Park Partick Thistle 3-1 ICT

Arbroath 1-3 Partick Thistle Ayr 1-1 Queen's Park Dundee United 3-0 ICT Morton 1-1 Dunfermline

Dunfermline 0-2 Dundee Utd Airdrie 5-0 Arbroath ICT 1-0 Ayr Partick Thistle 1-1 Morton Queens Park 1-1 Raith Rovers

Yeah, Clarke seems to really value him as a squad member and I think you're probably right, a lot of that will be down to his leadership and his standing in the dressing room, good point. He didn't have a great game versus Czechia in the last euros, but he is usually steady enough for us when asked to do a job. Came off the bench as part of the switch-up that ultimately wins us the game in Olso, too. Deserves a spot for that alone.

I suppose he might, yeah, that's possible, but I think he'd have an extra centre half ahead of Jack. I think Cooper will ultimately end up on the plane if he's not injured.

Yeah, I think this is more or less stuck on, presuming both recover in time. Only question would be which centre half drops out along with Kelly, Ralston and Taylor. Souttar and Cooper looking the most likely candidates at this stage. Wonder if that increases the chances of both getting game time in this window, to help Clarke firm up his decision. He's probably fairly certain already.