2026 World Cup: Scotland boss Steve Clarke faces midfield controversy

Back to last week’s game in New Jersey, Aston Villa captain and Tartan Army lover John McGinn was the man who started on the bench.

He was also left out of the win over Curacao at Hampden.

McGee’s absence seems surprising given his contribution in a Scotland shirt.

In 86 games, he scored 20 goals – fifth on the all-time list – and 10 assists. Just as crucially, he is in the form of his life having led Villa to the Europa League title.

But there could be a reluctance to play, particularly in the first half, with a midfield of McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Dock and Ryan Christie in perfect form.

“It’s amazing to think there’s a Scotland team without John McGinn,” former striker James McFadden said.

I wait for him to come inside. Unfortunately, I hope it’s one of the midfielders and not one of the strikers.

“I think the two forwards have a lot to offer because I want to see the two forwards. Will we see a starting line-up without John McGinn in the first game?

“To be honest, I wouldn’t put Steve Clark down, but just because he didn’t start the first game doesn’t mean he won’t be a big player in the next few games.”

There’s a fair point that McGinn was probably rested during his 53-game career.

Former Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton said: “I don’t think we needed to start John in the first game to be honest.

“I’m trying to think back to the Euros in terms of John and the result. I was tired at that tournament.

“I felt it was a long season. I’ve been looking at the results of the last months in terms of Villa’s European campaign, the travel and the injury that he suffered at the time.

“Do we really need to use it first?”