Tartan Army on a roll

By David Lee Wheatley

Strachan's Scotland mission

 

Former Manchester United midfielder and Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was appointed Scotland national team manager on 15^th January 2013 and is about to embark upon the first two competitive matches under his leadership against Wales and Serbia later this month.

His task as far as the next two fixtures go are to win them both if possible, but also to try-out new blood in a bid to get the team ready for the longer term. With this in mind, Strachan has picked a squad that includes Hull City playmaker George Boyd, Brighton holding midfielder Liam Bridcutt and exciting winger Gary Mackay-Steven of Dundee United. Other young stars such as James Forrest and Jordan Rhodes can give Scottish fans further encouragement that they will finally make it to the finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1998.

All hope had dissipated under former boss Craig Levein, with defensive tactics and disappointing results leading to the Scots sitting bottom of World Cup Qualifying Group A after 4 matches.

Now, enthusiasm amongst the Scottish public has largely been restored with the appointment of ‘people’s choice’ Strachan into the role of team manager. His record as boss of former clubs Coventry City, Southampton and Celtic was relatively good and despite a spell at Middlesbrough turning sour, ‘Strach’ is seen by most fans as the right man to take the nation forward and on to better times.

Eight points separate Scotland from Belgium, who sit proudly perched atop the group on 10 points alongside Croatia. It seems unlikely that the Tartan Army will be able to make up the points difference with the quality that the top two possess, but a home win over nearest rivals Wales would be a great boost if such a result could be achieved. Keeping in-form Gareth Bale at bay will be difficult, but the two sides appear evenly matched otherwise and it’ll be a tight encounter that the Scots will look to edge with home advantage.

Beating Serbia away in a partisan environment is no easy task and Scotland will do well to snatch a point. However, a positive and hard-working performance could see them do just that given the right circumstances.

The likelihood of Scotland surging up the group table to grab a spot at Brazil 2014 is minimal, but if Strachan gets his young side playing with more freedom and attacking flair in the short-term it would at least give the public renewed belief in the direction that the team is headed. The good feeling surrounding the team can be further strengthened with the expected return of experienced campaigners Darren Fletcher and Scott Brown from ailment and injury.

Scottish football is in desperate need of a big lift and many supporters and commentators see Strachan as the answer to the problems of yesteryear. Everyone with the Scottish national side at heart will pray that it isn’t another false dawn.

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