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Scotland: Be The Difference

Started on 23 November 2015 by InvertedWingbacks
Latest Reply on 24 November 2015 by InvertedWingbacks
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Strachan: We Are Focused, We Are Ready

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Pressure: Strachan's Side face calls from fans to play a more exciting brand of football


With four games left of the European Championship Qualifying Campaign, Gordon Strachan's Scotland side have a mountain to climb if they are to make it to France in 2016. The Scots currently sit in 4th place in Group D, with 9 points from six games. Ahead of them, are Ireland (10 Points), Poland (13 Points) and Germany (18 Points).

Scotland have registered home and away wins against Georgia, while losing to Ireland, Poland and Germany. Their remaining fixtures see them play Gibraltar on September 4th, before a tough run-in against Germany (September 7th), Ireland (October 9th) and finally Poland (October 12th). Many fans are of the opinion that the defeats to Poland and Ireland were avoidable, and they should perhaps be in a stronger position; however, with only 4 points between them and 2nd place, wins over Poland and Ireland would put them in a strong position for qualification.

Speaking ahead of the squad's final camp before the domestic season, Gordon Strachan has promised to take on board the frustration of the fans, who have been vocal in airing their feelings on some of the "negative" football they have seen at times throughout the campaign.

"Of course, it's important to listen to the fans - we have four games now to secure qualification, and it's going to be important to take the game to the opposition, and make the most of the attacking talent we have at our disposal."

Of course, captain Scott Brown will be pivotal in the centre of the pitch, but Scotland have a wealth of talent at their disposal, including Hull's Andrew Robertson, Crystal Palace's James McArthur and Sunderland midfielder Steven Naismith. Fans have also voiced their discontent at Strachan's continued exclusion of striker Jordan Rhodes, who scored 21 goals in 45 games for Blackburn last season. The striker, though, is set to miss the remainder of the campaign with a ligament injury, and so Strachan will have to look to other options.
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Strachan Announces 22-Man Squad for Double Header

Missing Out: Everton Midfielder Steven Naismith is out for up to 8 months


Scotland's preparations for the double header against Gibraltar and Germany have been dealt a blow by the news that Everton midfielder Steven Naismith is set to miss potentially the remainder of the season with a Cruciate Ligament injury he picked up playing against Blackpool. Gordon Strachan announced his squad today in the wake of that news, and he has handed call ups to some new, and exciting players.

Goalkeepers

Scott Bain (Dundee), Craig Gordon (Celtic), Allan McGregor (Hull)

Defenders

Steven Whittaker (Norwich), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), Andrew Robertson (Hull), Gordon Greer (Brighton), Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic), Grant Hanley (Blackburn), John Souttar (Dundee United)

Midfielders

Scott Brown (Celtic), James MacArthur (Crystal Palace), James Forrest (Celtic), Conor McGrandles (Hibernian), Charlie Adam (Stoke), Ryan Gauld (Sporting), Ikechi Anya (Watford), Ryan Christie (Inverness)

Attackers

Jack Harper (Brighton), Ross McCormack (Fulham), Leigh Griffiths (Celtic)

The biggest talking point is a first call up for Jack Harper, who moved to Brighton this summer after 4 years at Real Madrid. The youngster has not always been at the top of the Scottish media's watch list, but he's sure to be determined to make an impact if he gets onto the pitch.
Harper sounds very interesting! I'll be keeping an eye on this one, good update!
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Captain Not-So-Fantastic

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Unprofessional: Scotland captian Brown has come under fire for two reckless challenges against Germany


Scotland's qualification hopes took a heavy blow in the most recent International double-header, as captain Scott Brown collected two yellow cards to get himself sent off in the first half of the crucial tie against Germany at the weekend.

Scotland's week started well, as they dominated proceedings in a 3-0 win against Gibraltar. Charlie Mulgrew and Jack Harper had to withdraw from the squad through injury, and were replaced by Greg Stewart and Russell Martin, while Derby's Chris Martin reportedly refused the callup to replace Harper; the 26 year old reportedly miffed to have been left out the first time around.

Martin impressed against Gibraltar, leading a defence which featured youngsters John Souttar and Andrew Robertson in a composed performance, while James McArthur put forward an imperious midfield performance, vindicating Strachan for selecting him ahead of West Brom captain Darren Fletcher.

It was Leigh Griffiths who opened the scoring, netting an impressive header after just 2 minutes, as Scotland made their first attack count in spectacular style. James McArthur found his way onto the scoresheet just 9 minutes later with a volleyed effort from just outside the box. Griffiths then rattled a 30-yard effort home 7 minutes from half time to settle the tie at 3-0.

In the second half, Strachan introduced Greg Kiltie and Conor McGrandles to the tie, substituting Scott Brown and Ikechi Anya, with Brown having picked up a booking. The two youngsters put on a competent performance, with Kiltie going close to netting a debut goal with a wickedly curling freekick which came back off the post before being cleared by the Gibraltar defence.

Against Germany, however, it all fell apart. Scott Brown picked up two yellow cards inside of the first half hour, and despite Greg Stewart's best attempts to plug the gap in midfield alongside James McArthur, the German attack was irresistible, with Muller scoring once, and striker Daniel Rohrberg scoring twice to send Scottish hopes spiralling into the dirt.

As it stands, Scotland are one point behind 3rd-placed Ireland, and 7 behind Poland, which makes a play-off spot their best hope of qualification.

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