Gordon Strachan: Scotland has plenty left-back competition
Friday 7 October 2016 17:16, UK
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan says competition is hot for the left-back spot ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
Andrew Robertson is expected to get the nod, although Kieran Tierney and Lee Wallace are in with a chance.
Robertson, who plays for Hull, started in Scotland's first qualifier against Malta last month, while Tierney and Wallace are yet to begin a competitive match at senior international level.
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But Strachan is impressed by the trio.
"Left back, incredible," he said. "As good as I've ever seen the three of them in training. As good as I have ever seen for the position.
"This area and in others we are very strong. Some, I'd like to be stronger.
"But areas we have not got a problem is the mental strength. That was proved in the last game.
"Areas we are happy with is their passion and commitment. We have got that as well."
Strachan insists the gap between Scotland and Europe's lesser lights is getting narrower.
When the draw for the qualifying campaign of the 2018 World Cup took place, Scotland were ranked in a higher pot than Saturday's opponents.
However, the Scotland boss will certainly give Lithuania all the respect he says they deserve.
"I know the task ahead," said Strachan, 59. "I have been impressed with Lithuania the last two games, that's for sure.
"They are a real hard working side and a bit different from years ago when teams a pot or two below you would come and sit in.
"But they are quite prepared to push you out and close you down, and win the ball back, so it should be an interesting game.
"Fortunately, we do our homework. They are a pot below us, so there can't be that big a difference."
Scotland and Lithuania have met four times in qualifiers in Glasgow, with the hosts taking maximum points in each game with just one goal conceded.
The most recent encounter came five years ago when the Scots won by a single goal from Steven Naismith after Darren Fletcher had missed a first-half penalty.
