‘Tells us where we are’… Ex-Celtic man’s Scotland call-up raises Ally McCoist concern

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Celtic players have played an important role in the Steve Clarke era at Scotland.

Callum McGregor retired from international football to devote more focus to contributing for Brendan Rodgers, having scored Scotland’s first goal at an international tournament of the 21st century.

Kieran Tierney’s involvement at two European Championships was limited by injury, but he still started two games at both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

James Forrest also took part in both tournaments, despite settling into a background role in the Celtic squad.

But one former Celt’s involvement in Steve Clarke’s latest squad is cause for concern for Ally McCoist, who played at three international tournaments for the Tartan Army.

Ally McCoist concern with ex-Celtic man

Clarke is blessed with a healthy level of options in several areas, particularly midfield and left-back.

But in other areas, it’s not that simple.

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Every good team needs a reliable goalkeeper – but Clarke’s squad for the upcoming two matches in October includes no players who are first-choice at their clubs.

One of the three is 42-year-old Craig Gordon, who hasn’t made a matchday squad for Hearts yet this season.

Whilst praising Gordon’s longevity, McCoist admitted that his call-up sends a different message.

He said on TalkSPORT: “Do you know something, I’m delighted for him, but does it tell us where we are at this moment in time with young Scottish goalkeepers?

“It probably tells you more about that than it tells you about the longevity of Craig, which is fantastic.”

Concern for Scotland duo’s Scotland fitness

Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston withdrew from the Scotland squad for last month’s games, and neither were fit to start for Celtic in their following match at Rugby Park.

Ralston’s availability issues have paved the way for Colby Donovan to step in, and Tierney’s did likewise with Marcelo Saracchi.

But despite both players being handed starts between the Kilmarnock game and now, it is still a concern to see both in the Scotland squad with such a busy schedule ahead for Celtic.

Whether Gordon can make his first appearance of the season in a competitive international fixture will be fascinating to see. He will compete with Liam Kelly and Angus Gunn for the spot.