Scotland manager Steve Clarke is set to unleash Ben Gannon-Doak against Brazil in Wednesday night's crucial World Cup Group C clash in Miami, while Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey has been ruled out of the match.
Gannon-Doak Returns to Starting XI
Record Sport understands that the Bournemouth winger will return to Clarke's starting lineup after being an unused substitute in Friday's 1-0 defeat to Morocco in Foxborough. The 20-year-old missed six months of last season with a hamstring injury sustained in the 4-2 win over Denmark that secured Scotland's World Cup berth.
Clarke had reservations about starting Gannon-Doak in two games in quick succession after he played in the opener against Haiti. However, the youngster is now primed to return for what Clarke described as a "bucket-list" game that could see Scotland advance to the last 32.
Hickey Not Fit, But Could Return for Knockouts
Aaron Hickey will not be passed fit for the Group C blockbuster but should be available for the knockout stages if Scotland progresses, sources confirmed. The Brentford full-back has been undergoing treatment but failed to recover in time.
Tactical Shift for Scotland
Clarke is expected to stick with a back four formation, with Gannon-Doak given license to attack down the right flank. This marks a departure from the more defensive approach used against Morocco, when Kieran Tierney was deployed on the left side of midfield ahead of fellow left-back Andy Robertson.
When asked about Gannon-Doak's potential, Clarke said: "I know, I get questions all the time about Ben Gannon-Doak. Listen, he's a player who can bring us something different. But my job as head coach is to make sure I use him and utilise him at the right time. It doesn't always necessarily need to be from the start, but I'm not scared to start anybody if I think he can make the team better."
McTominay's Form Not a Concern
Clarke also dismissed concerns over Scott McTominay's form, with the Napoli midfielder yet to fully hit his stride in the tournament. "Scott is fine. It's a very, very British thing. You put people on a pedestal then you chop them down. I have got no idea why. He has done everything he's been asked to do in the games, he has tried as hard as he can. He hasn't had the inference on the game, but he hit the post against Curacao, he had the shots against Bolivia and he looks a goal threat going forward. If he continues to do that going into game three or game four, then hopefully he will end up getting the headlines that he deserves," Clarke said.
Scotland face Brazil in a must-win Group C finale at 8 PM local time on Wednesday, with a place in the knockout stages at stake.
