Scotland will face Greece in the Nations League A section play-off. A campaign which seemed doomed to end in relegation after three straight losses was rescued by Steve Clarke’s men with seven points in their final three ties. The question now becomes whether they can guard their position in the top bracket of the oh-so-loved Nations League.
New Blood in Scotland Camp
Throughout his tenure, Clark has been criticised for the lack of fresh faces introduced to the camp. Whether that is an entirely fair criticism is complex. While he has been rather reserved in his team selection, he might simply not rate those up-and-coming.
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Although, after announcing his squad last week for this brief international break, Lennon Miller and James Wilson were included for the first time. Therefore, what can they bring to the table over the next week?
Lennon Miller
Miller is one of the hottest young prospects in Scottish football. Just eighteen years old, he has been linked with a move to boyhood club Celtic.. He has shown versatility, being able to play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and more recently as a number ten.
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While he does seem to lack a little pace, his reading of the game makes up for this. His passing range and decision-making are excellent and are what make him a stand out in this Motherwell side.
With Callum McGregor retiring from the international scene, plus Kenny McLean and Stuart Armstrong getting no younger, Miller could add to options such as John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson. Suddenly, there seems to be real strength in depth.
James Wilson
Wilson has made himself at home in Neil Critchley’s Hearts side. He may have just six goal contributions this season, but it’s the striker-like movements that catch the eye. That was evident in his monumental equaliser at Easter Road earlier in the season.
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At times his finishing can be rash, but that’s expected of a striker at his stage. Plus, over the coming years, he will no doubt physically develop. More importantly, the striker position is in dire need of new blood for Scotland. Che Adams lacks consistency, and while Lyndon Dykes can be effective at times, he lacks the quality to worry solid defences.
Time will tell
With Aaron Hickey on the road back, plus Ben Doak sure to feature again soon, suddenly a core of young players starts to develop for the Scottish National Team. In all likeliness, it won’t be under the guidance of Clarke, as he looks set to step down after the World Cup in 2026, but maybe just maybe, the future can be bright for the Tartan Army.
