Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour will miss Scotland’s key clash against Greece on Saturday. He had already been officially ruled out due to a groin injury. Even after the biggest blow to his qualifying team, assistant coach Steven Naismith remains eternally optimistic. He is confident Gilmour still has “a good chance” of being available for their next game against Denmark a week tomorrow. The 24-year-old midfielder can travel to Istanbul for the training camp but doesn’t join Steve Clarke’s team. This absence leads to quite the worry as we approach his unavailability for three imminently important World Cup qualifiers.
Gilmour’s absence is a big loss for Scotland as they head into two crucial qualifiers. He’s already missed the last two matches for Napoli, cutting into what’s been a pretty limited time on the pitch. Scotland will face Greece on 15 November. Then, on November 18, they’ll play Denmark. A victory or even a draw against Denmark would send them through to the World Cup – it’s that simple!
Injuries Impacting the Team
Scotland’s goalkeeping situation has faced challenges. Angus Gunn went ahead and started the first four qualifiers, despite not having made an appearance for Nottingham Forest at that point. Sadly, he’s injured at the moment and will miss this month’s double-header. Naismith, who had high praise for Gunn’s displays in those matches, remarked,
“I think in the four games he played, he was excellent. I would argue that they’re probably four of his best performances internationally. That door then opens up now for another goalie to take that chance.” – Steven Naismith
With Gunn sidelined, Scotland’s goalkeeping duties will now be taken up by Scott Bain, Craig Gordon and Liam Kelly. Naismith acknowledged that is a good chance for another goalie to make their own mark as the battle rages on.
Squad Dynamics and Opportunities
Their squad combines battle-hardened caps with burgeoning talents, particularly in the key spine position of 9 (Scrumhalf) and 10 (Flyhalf). The team’s defenders include Josh Doig, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, and Aaron Hickey. They are accompanied by the likes of Scott McKenna, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, and Kieran Tierney. It’s the midfield collective that really dazzles. Gilmour debuts with Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon Doak, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Connor Barron, and Andy Irving. Getting out on top Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, and Lawrence Shankland will hope to take full advantage of any chances created.
Reflecting on the significance of these two games to the players still vying to earn their spot on the roster, Naismith said,
“Two games from a World Cup to stake a claim, not only to play in these games but to plant the seed of being the number one.” – Steven Naismith
He alluded to the “bloodbath” of competition among goalkeepers. He made the comparison that, in international soccer, there is always a clear number one.
“I think for a lot of international football, there is the clear number one and everybody else knows their role, but it’s one of those situations where that position is up for grabs.” – Steven Naismith
Looking Ahead
Scotland has gotten ready for this defining moment. The coaching staff needs to be able to think when it comes to all-star and special injury-riddled team. The lack of important figures such as Gilmour and Gunn would make a difference to Scotland’s tactical changes against whichever team they face. Their focus is still very much set on making sure they go to the World Cup.
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