How Scotland could Line-Up against Austria

Branded as a “must not lose” game by Celtic skipper Callum McGregor, here is how I think Scotland should lineup against Austria.

FORMATION: 3-4-1-2

Goalkeeper: Craig Gordon

One of Hearts’ better players so far this season, and off the back of a decent showing on Saturday there’s no reason why our number 1 should be dropped for such an important game.

DEFENCE

Right Centre Back: Jack Hendry

Probably one of the players near the top of the list when it comes to picking centre backs for this Scotland team, as he has proved his worth several times with his attacking minded play, carrying the ball into midfield and looking for forward passes.

Centre Back: Grant Hanley

It’s hard to look past Grant Hanley at the moment, as he continued to put in a solid performance at Hampden the other night. Organises the defence well, and is a leader which this team lacks at the moment. He’s an important player and he doesn’t even need to play like one.

Left Centre Back: Kieran Tierney

He’s real quality. Strong defensive player, and yet he starts so many counter attacks playing on that left side with Robertson just ahead. Him and Andy Robertson are a real force down the left and you’d be stupid to tamper with it unless really necessary.

MIDFIELD

Right Wing Back: Stephen O’Donnell

Granted, not the best footballer on the planet, but a solid experienced option that helps in games like these. Had some good moments in the Euros, and is capable of putting in a good performance when called upon.

Right Centre Midfield: Billy Gilmour

Tidy, tidy player. You don’t need to be a genius to admire the way he drops deep and demands the ball. At such a young age, it’s great to see. On the ball, he’s great too. Fantastic passer and gets in to excellent attacking positions. Maybe could be a little more composed when it comes to a shot, but that comes experience which will turn him into a real asset in the years to come.

Left Centre Midfield: Callum McGregor

The holding option, not a fussy player, but quality on the ball when needed and a calm head beside Billy Gilmour. Does the dirty work, is a leader, and can be a threat shooting from distance.

Left Wing Back: Andy Robertson

Should never be dropped, irreplaceable and he is world class. We haven’t seen that in a scotland team for a while. The captain, and the man who is capable of tearing apart that left side linking with Tierney behind.

Attacking Midfield: John McGinn

Give him a free role in behind, and he will be a nuisance all night. Collecting balls from deep, pushing forward, scoring goals. He is entertainment in himself. Like Robertson, should never be dropped.

ATTACK

Centre Forward: Che Adams

He is Premier League quality, and a proven goalscorer. That’s all you need from a striker. Great player, and a great partner to any of the strikers this squad has to offer.

Centre Forward: Kevin Nisbet

Not a great game on Saturday, however he has goals in him even at this level and suits Adams’ style of play. He’s better with the ball than Dykes I’d say, and is always capable of being a threat to the opposition.