Scotland squad selector: Who would you pick?
Serbia vs Scotland will be shown live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm and free-to-air on Sky Pick; kick-off at 7.45pm; Should striker Leigh Griffiths start? Who will replace Ryan Fraser in the starting XI?
Thursday 12 November 2020 21:04, UK
Scotland go to Serbia in their crunch Euro 2020 play-off on Thursday, but who would you select in the starting XI?
Ryan Fraser and Grant Hanley will both miss Scotland's crucial clash with injury, but Steve Clarke has included Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths.
Stuart Armstrong, Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney are also recalled after they were forced to miss the semi-final against Israel after Southampton midfielder Armstrong tested positive for Covid-19.
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Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon also returns to the national set-up, while Robby McCrorie, Ryan Porteous and John Fleck all drop out from the previous squad, with Aberdeen's Andrew Considine retaining his place.
John Collins' Scotland XI vs Serbia
Former Scotland midfielder John Collins, who played every minute and scored their first goal at France 98 - Scotland's last major tournament appearance - has picked the 11 players he believes can get the job done in Belgrade...
David Marshall picks himself; he's done ever so well in recent games. Big saves in big games, he stays in the team and has a big part to play.
In the back three I'd go for Kieran Tierney, I know him ever so well having coached him at Celtic and he's strong, quick, can carry the ball forward, nothing phases him, and he's used to big games at Celtic and Arsenal. In the middle is Liam Cooper, he's up against top players in the Premier League with Leeds and is used to big games week in, week out. Then there's Scott McTominay of Manchester United. It's a new position for him but he's grown into it and got a little bit better with each game. I like the way he comes out with the ball, plays passes into midfield or that big diagonal.
Stephen O'Donnell at right wing-back. He never had a club at the beginning of the season, but he's had a remarkable season and here he is playing in Scotland's biggest match in a long, long time. He gets up and down, he's honest and gets ball in the box when he gets forward. Andrew Robertson picks himself, he's a world-class player at Liverpool, a Champions League and Premier League winner. He does it week in, week out, his consistency levels are second to none.
In midfield I'd go for John McGinn and Callum McGregor with Ryan Jack in the middle doing the job he does for Rangers, where he sits in front of the back four and plays it nice and simple. McGregor and McGinn are two good footballers who can carry the ball, can shoot and get up and down the pitch.
Alongside Lyndon Dykes, who picks himself after his recent performances, I've gone with Ryan Christie. I enjoy watching him, he's creative, he takes risks and responsibility. He can take shots, he can play killer passes and he's got a fantastic work-ethic, he's not just a no 10 who walks around the pitch.
But who do you think Steve Clarke should pick for Thursday's clash? Have your say in the team selector below...
