Scotland vs Northern Ireland: previewing the all British clash
Steve Clarke’s Scotland side have the chance to right some recent wrongs on Tuesday evening as Hampden Park plays host the latest international friendly against fellow Brits Northern Ireland.
Despite a hefty 4-0 defeat on Friday night at the hands of The Netherlands, gallus Scotland did in fact give a decent account of themselves.
Despite being a goal down at the halfway mark, it wasn’t until around 70-minutes into the clash, where multiple substitutions had been made, that Ronald Koeman’s home side were able to grab the match by the scruff of the neck and fire themselves into a four-goal lead.
Steve Clarke will feel he can take a few positives from the defeat, namely his press resistant midfield, coupled with a handful of missed chances from his attacking outlets.
Lawrence Shankland cannoned a strike off the crossbar early in the second half – a chance which the whole of Scotland would have backed the on form Heart of Midlothian forward to bury.
Billy Gilmour was incredibly influential throughout the match, and it was at the stage where the former Rangers man was subbed of in which the tide of the match turned.
More of the same, in thaw early stages at least, will be required from the Tartan Army if they are to gain a solid result against Michael O’Neill’s side.
Lewis Ferguson, who many expected to start the match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, entered play late on as a substitute and showed some positive touches. He could be in line for a start in this home tie, especially given his flying form for Serie A side Bologna. Former Hamilton and Aberdeen man ‘Fergie’ has six goals and three assists this season. His club gaffer, Thiago Motta, is a huge admirer of the Scot – so much so that he has made him the captain of the Northern Italian side.
Heavy defeat in Amsterdam for Scotland meant that was six matches on the spin for Scotland without victory.
That run of form is far from ideal when headed into a massive tournament in Germany, which is just a few months away.
Ending that run will be key heading into such huge matches over in Germany, and this tie against Northern Ireland is a perfect opportunity to get the squad back to winning ways – as well as injecting a much-needed boost of confidence into the players.
Unlike Scotland however, Northern Ireland have been on a steady run of form with their new-look modern era squad.
They have lost just two matches out of their last five – with wins coming their way over San Marino, as well as a gigantic victory over Denmark. However, during this period, the green and white army did suffer a heavy defeat to similar sized nation Finland. In a 4-0 demolition, they did well to pick up their form so quickly in the proceeding ties.
The danger man for O’Neill’s side is right-wing back Connor Bradley. The youngster has recently broken through and made a real stamp on what is a world class Liverpool side. Not only is the 20-year-old competent defensively, he has a natural ability to fly up and down the wing and to get himself into good goal scoring areas. The former Bolton loanee has one goal and three assists in his six English top-flight appearances this season.
No matter what he occasions, we know that the Tartan Army will give a strong backing to Clarke’s side when playing in Mount Florida.
Northern Ireland, you have to admit, is a much more favourable tie for the Dark Blue’s, and I’m sure there will be a degree of large expectation from the Scotland loyal of not only a win, but high-level performance to match that too.
