Steve Clarke surprise emerges with Rangers player for Greece vs Scotland
Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly and Hearts’ Craig Gordon may be the two in contention to start for Scotland against Greece on Saturday.
James McFadden believes the Scottish manager could potentially decide between the two as they travel to the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on 15 November.
Kelly and John Souttar are part of the Scotland squad for the November international break, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll play a role against Greece and Denmark.
Gordon hasn’t featured for high-flying Hearts this season, but with Angus Gunn ruled out due to injury, the Tartan Army have a decision to make in between the sticks.
Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly set for Scotland surprise
While McFadden expects either Kelly or Gordon to start for Scotland, he hasn’t ruled out a “surprise” from Clarke.
The former Everton forward may be hinting that Scott Bain could be given the nod to play for the Tartan Army in Greece.
The Falkirk goalkeeper has started in every William Hill Premiership game this season, with John McGlynn’s team punching above their weight.
Speaking on Open Goal on 13 November, McFadden said: “I think it’s Gordon or Kelly. I think because they’ve been part of the squad. He might surprise us, that’s the one thing with Clarke, he does surprise you.”
Jack Butland has been immense at Ibrox in the current campaign, leading to Kelly going back down the pecking order after starting games towards the end of last season.
Gordon has a wealth of experience on his side, with 81 caps for the national team, but the 42-year-old has also warmed the bench at Hearts in recent months.
John Souttar and Liam Kelly World Cup hopes assessed with Scotland
Souttar has been impressive for Scotland this season, albeit his form with the Gers has taken a hit, and Kelly will be hoping to add to his one international cap against Greece.
Rangers fans will certainly be keeping an eye on the Tartan Army as they have an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
| Team | Matches played | Goal difference | Points |
| Denmark | 4 | 11 | 10 |
| Scotland | 4 | 5 | 10 |
| Greece | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| Belarus | 4 | -13 | 0 |
Clarke’s team are level on points with Denmark in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers but second on goal difference, and if they can at least get a draw in Greece and then beat the Danish team, they will directly qualify for the competition in Canada, Mexico and the USA without having to go through the play-offs.
Scotland have a chance to make history and the Gers contingent will certainly want to play a part in it.
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