Major Scotland decision will require 'coin toss' as Hearts icon's inclusion vs Haiti given backing
Steve Clarke’s toughest selection call for World Cup opener in Boston is likely to come between the sticks
Former Scotland international Alan Hutton reckons the biggest headache facing Steve Clarke heading into the World Cup opener against Haiti in Boston is who should get the nod between the sticks - insisting it may come down to a “coin toss.”
And if the ex-Rangers, Tottenham and Aston Villa defender had his way, he would side narrowly with Hearts veteran Craig Gordon over Angus Gunn.
43-year-old Gordon started the 4-1 friendly win over Curacao at Hampden Park last month, so it was no surprise to see Nottingham Forest shot-stopper Gunn given a run-out in the 4-0 victory over Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday.
Both keepers are heading into the tournament after finding game-time limited at club level last season, with Gordon spending a large chunk of the campaign on the treatment table nursing a troublesome shoulder injury.
Many supporters feel it is a straight fight between the pair for the No.1 position, with third-choice Liam Kelly unlikely to pull on the gloves unless injury occurs to either Gordon or Gunn.
“This is a tough one to call,” Hutton responded when asked by the Edinburgh Evening News in association with Best Betting Bonuses, who he believes should be given the nod to start against Haiti on Saturday. “I think for his experience, everything that he's done and accomplished in the past, that really helps Craig Gordon’s cause.
“I mean, he played his part in the qualifying campaign. I know he's been out with injury and it's been a difficult season for him. It's a really tough one. I think it's going to keep the manager up at night, for sure. It's a bit of a toss of a coin. Do you want to go for the younger guy, that could maybe be the long-term goalkeeper at this moment in time or do you revert back to the experience?
“Part of me thinks it will be Gordon who starts. I just feel for his vast experience alone, that will give him the edge. I know he's not played a lot of football of late, so it's going to come down to how the manager sees them both in training.”
Shankland has confidence coursing through his veins
One position Hutton has no concerns about is the striking department, insisting red-hot former Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland must keep his place and be given the opportunity to build on his recent goal scoring form.
There has been a clamour among large swathes of the Tartan Army for Shankland to be Scotland’s starting striker since Euro 2024, but he has drifted in and out of the team under Clarke on occasions.
Hutton, though, is convinced Shankland is a different proposition now. He is entering the tournament in the form of his life and with confidence coursing through his veins after sealing a dream move to boyhood club Rangers before netting a brace against Curacao and nodding home the opener against Bolivia.
“I think this is his time to shine and prove he should be Steve Clarke’s go-to guy” Hutton stated. “I really believe that he should’ve probably been playing earlier for the national team in terms of being that focal striker.
“International football, especially at tournament level, you might not get that many opportunities, so you need a fox in the box, somebody that can make something happen out of nothing and he’s that guy.
“Rangers missed a trick in not getting him last season. Finally, they've done it and his confidence is there for everyone to see. He's got that move he wanted and he now looks to be a starter for Scotland at a World Cup. Give him the ball, give him the opportunities, feed him and I believe he'll score.”