(FM23) We're Gonna Deep Fry....Everything!!

[andychar]

There he goes. Finally escaped the Scottish National Football Side.

[andychar]

Sorry. I'm holding out for the Argentina job.

[andychar]

So every time it comes to picking my team I click "Use Suggested Squad" a few days before and then when it comes to finalising the team end up making like 5/6 changes. This time I'm going to leave it and see what happens.

Ed McGinty has moved from Hibs and suddenly found half a star! 3 years younger could he be the new Number 1?

Tierney misses out through injury so Patterson is the most senior. First time in a long time nobody 30 or over here. Steele is somebody I have been looking at but at RB he's just never been needed. Jackson another who gets beat my McGurk most of the time!

Ben Doak and Shay Nevans are 2 that I'm always removing, well its their lucky day!

Toland is a wasted youth. He was a wonderkid now just an average adult. The CPU thinks he deserves a call up however. 

One thing I will say about this is the fact only 4 players are 30 or over and 2 of them are keepers!

[andychar]

Friendly

Burundi (h)

Should be no issues this Window, or any of the next few windows really. Just a good chance to tick some Countries off.

The good news is as of September we are still clinging onto 11th in the World. Chance to break that Top 10 soon!

We lose Turnbull through injury. Fiorini comes in. A name we haven't heard from in a while. Could have called up McGregor but decided against it.

Most bizarre line up I've picked in a long time. McGinty takes the number 1 shirt. Steele and Nevans make their debut. I am a generous God.

Munro eventually fires us into the lead. Nevans assist on his debut.

Munro picks up a second. Its been cruise control without the finishing.

Munro with the hattrick on the stroke of Half Time.

Munro having a field day.

Nevans with a goal on his debut and it was a brilliant finish into the roof of the goal.

Laidlaw comes on and bags himself a goal. A good number 2 to Munro he's turning into too.

Steady as she goes really.

[andychar]

Friendly

American Samoa (h)

Now this should be double figures. American Samoa have the pride of having the worst International Result in history go against them when they lost 31-0 against Australia. That was a long time ago in game and maybe they are better.

My strongest XI says they aren't better.

Laidlaw with the goal. Took us long enough!

Hardwick makes it 2.

Gilmour from the spot. Rarely misses.

Hardwick get his second and we are on pace for double figures at least.

Laidlaw gets his second.

Hardwick first to reach his hattrick.

How its only 6 I'll never know. Put it this way. The American Samoa keeper has conceded 6 and is on a 7.4!

An own goal makes it 7. Its been a less than inspiring second half.

Fiorini with a brilliant free kick finally puts us ahead of our xG!

Laidlaw finally gets his hattrick and we are on the cusp of 10.

No 10 but a very good performance. 22 shots on target from 43 is encouraging. 

[andychar]

Its a OFC tour (in Scotland).

My scouts and my coaches are disagree when it comes to Johnson. One has him 3 stars, the other 2 and a half.

Is it me or has Malky Semple's Potential just fell off a cliff?!

We are missing Lowry through injury.

Just the 2. No need for anymore.

[andychar]

Friendly

Solomon Islands (h)

One of the "tricker" OFC teams but still should be a walkover.

A strong side with Kelly playing for the first time in a while.

Hardwick to Munro. Good start.

Turnbull to Munro. 2 cracking assists so far today.

OG. Rough for them.

Munro with a brilliant finish to secure his hattrick.

Turnbull with a cracking free kick. You don't save those!

Munro pounces just before the break for his 4th of the game.

6 goals from 5 shots on target. Things you love to see.

Buchan gets in on the act.

Gilmour and penalties. The best double act.

Hunter pops with up a rare goal giving us the chance of 10.

Hardwick with a brilliant goal brings up 10!

Another goal Munro.

Buchan at the death.

That was us at our clinical best.

[andychar]

Friendly

New Caledonia (h)

This OFC binge wasn't done on purpose. Will look good when the update comes after the Euro's though!

I have noticed one Nation that is on the list that is impossible. Russia. I can't offer them a Friendly. There is nothing I can do to make them a playable against Nation. They will be deleted from the Spreadsheet.

Should be another high scoring game as these players continue to pad their stats.

Something amazing has happened in between games however...

We break into the Top 10! I'll ask Mozambique for a friendly as soon as I can.

A few changes made but still a very strong line up.

Turnbull with a lovely goal giving the keeper no chance.

Munro with the easiest goal he will score in his career.

Munro again. Even on the wing he's banging in goals for fun.

Hardwick with a lovely finish.

Hardwick again.

Gilmour, a team player, gives up the penalty so Hardwick has a chance at a hattrick. He delivers.

A part of me thinks I should have Instant Resulted the entire year!

Finally Laidlaw gets in on the act.

Munro secures his hattrick.

Laidlaw scores from about 1 inch out. Chance for back to back 10s.

10! We got 10!

Lovely stuff!

[andychar]

The random OFC revenge tour continues!

The Euro Qualifying Groups should be finished at the end of this International Window as well so I'll provide an update as to how they went.

I wanted him to be our Oldest ever Player. Anybody has a fight to beat David Weir mind! His last apperance will be at the Euro 2032 Tournament on home soil. A fitting end to what has been a very good and loyal player to us. I'm Rangers but I can appreciate a Celtic Scottish legend!

This could be one of our top CB's out for his home Tournament. Heartbreaking.

Back to the usual and back to Kelly being the Number 1. He could be the worst player ever to hit 100 caps for their Nation. Just nobody has come through!

George Johnston comes in to replace the dead Welsh.

Ben Doak, what can I say? He's impressed me. McGregor gets the sympathy call up.

Usual two. Can't believe its likely Munro will hit 69 caps this break. Feels like two minutes ago he was bursting onto the scene.

[andychar]

Friendly 

Samoa (h)

Well...at least I know the game is going ahead!

The more I see it the more I like Munro on the wing and Laidlaw upfront. It just works. Although its worked against Teams in the bottom 150 in the World.

Lowry with a stunner of a free kick.

Hardwick has been loving a goal recently.

Scotland v Samoa, more likely to see in Rugby. This could be a Rugby score. First Munro then Laidlaw. 4 different scorers so far.

5th different scorer as Sam Campbell (CB) curls a delicious ball into the bottom corner.

6 different scorers as Turnbull scores from the spot in what seems to be our gamely penalty.

Not very often that happens I bet. Wonder how many we will end up with come the end after subs are made.

Turnbull with his second penalty of the game.

Hardwick gets his second. Race to the hattrick.

Buchan becomes the 7th different scorer today.

The goals weren't this close together I was just late with the first screenshot.

Laidlaw gets his 2nd. 

Laidlaw wins the battle with a perfect hattrick.

Laidlaw with his 4th of the game.

We've had worse games.

[andychar]

And its been done with sheer hard work and determination...right? RIGHT?!

[andychar]

Friendly

Chad (h)

This game will round up what has been a very easy and quite frankly boring Year of Scottish Football. Lots of goals but no real threat. Be glad to get back to a normal year with competitive games. I need to feel the rush!

Actually using this friendly as it should be intended. Second string mainly trying to shove their way into my plans. Probably the hardest game we have played in a while.

This was scored in less than a minute but it caught me unaware. Laidlaw with the goal.

Laidlaw sets up Buchan for a lovely goal.

Laidlaw with two quick goals and his numbers have taken an inflation this Window! Another perfect hattrick.

Bit of a calmer game than what we have been used to seeing. Honestly 6 from 24 is woeful!

Laidlaw has been fantastic recently. The question is, can he do it on the big stage?

Turnbull adds the gloss.

Job done. It will do for me.

[andychar]

Euro 2032 Qualifying

Was weird not being apart of it but I'm not complaining. Been a good chance to tick off more Countries outside of Europe.

So how did it all go?

Group A and B saw no real surprises although North Macedonia ran Turkey close. Ive only ticked 1 out of those 4 so far.

Belgium once again fail to qualify but I imagine they will have Playoffs to fall back on. 

I had to look into why Kosovo got pipped. 0-0 and 1-0 Sweden win in 2 very tight games. Albania will be disappointed following their recent good run. Are Germany back?

No real surprises here.

Group I looked tasty! Switzerland once again miss out.

Playoffs look like this...

Moldova with a big chance!

That's been for more than 120 days now! Just pray we don't pick up any more major injuries between now and the Summer!

[andychar]

Top 10 in the World still not enough. Am I going to have to win a Tournament? They can no longer Qualify for the World Cup 2034 either. 

World Cup 2034 will be in Australia by the way. A nice different location.

 

[andychar]

Bloody Celtic.

McGinty will start, because I will do anything within reason to stop Kelly getting to 100 caps hehehe.

I couldn't tell you how this is being sorted by the way. Normally caps but hey ho. 

Oh no. Callum McGregor is degressing at a rate of knots. Will be make it to the Euros?

No surprises here.

[andychar]

Friendly

Lesotho (h)

We lost McGurk to injury. Shame.

The squad will be picked around the dreaded 45 minute restriction placed on players.

Some surprises in the side but its a friendly we should be winning.

Hunter with a penalty. We have so many penalties recently.

Munro and Doak with 2 very close together goals. That close I missed one.

Munro with a lovely chip.

Sam Campbell is becoming a good Tierney replacement. He gets the goal here.

Munro completes his hattrick.

Easy stuff so far.

Hunter with a lovely low driven shot.

Ewing with his first goal for Scotland.

Hunter with his second penalty and his hattrick.

Laidlaw gets a goal off the bench.

Another 10 goal win. We are on a bit of a role with scoring goals.

[andychar]

Friendly

Kiribati (h)

This could be a thrashing.

Last really easy Friendly booked in but I'm sure there will be 3 before the Euros!

Buchan fires us into an early lead after a mistake from the keeper.

Ewing with his second goal in as many caps.

Doak with the goal.

Laidlaw is the 4th different scorer.

Doak with another goal.

Laidlaw. We on pace for a record.

I don't know who scored this one. I missed it. 

Good stuff so far. Not so much on pace for a record any more.

Ewing. More goals than caps now.

Laidlaw gets his 4th.

5th makes it 10. Remember when 10 was a special occasion.

Laidlaw gets a double hattrick.

Laidlaw gets a 7th. Unreal game.

Playtime is over. Its now onto serious business.

[andychar]

Nations League and Euro Playoffs

While we were playing training exercices there were some serious games on.

Belarus keep their place in the 3rd Tier by the skin of their teeth. Luxembourg maybe a surprise they managed it.

Italy win their first Nations League.

Belgium won't be at the Euro's quite a surprise there. Albania get through by the skin of their teeth. Lithuania surprised Switzerland but couldn't get the job done. Well done to North Macedonia.

A nice record to break.

[andychar]

Euro 2032 Draw

Feels like we have been waiting ages for this...

We go into Group A.

Its been 10 years coming. Our first game against England.

We once again face Austria, must be our most faced Nations so far? Them or Spain?

England are the only team we haven't played and beat so far. Shame but its a group we should be getting through with.

Group B looks like it could be anybodies. Group C is harsh on North Macedonia. Look at Group F. Bit of a Group of Death there!

[andychar]

Nations League Draw

I meant it. Time for the Serious Business to recommence. All I ask is a Group that's either, easier or a chance to tick off some European Countries.

I don't know, you wait 10 years for a shot at England and then 3 come around at once!

As of writing this we haven't beaten any of these teams so its a brilliant chance to knock a few big names off...and Wales.

Spain will be absolutely delighted with their draw. Romania and Albania can fight each other to stay in it. Group 4 looks tricky.

Happy with that. Could have been better but could have been much worse. We will fancy our chances at staying up again.

[Deisler26]

Think this is the issue now, you'll keep coming up against teams you've already faced

[andychar]

5 hours ago, Deisler26 said:

Think this is the issue now, you'll keep coming up against teams you've already faced

I've lasted longer than I thought before it started to slow down if I'm honest so I'm happy so far.

[Mochard]

On 18/11/2022 at 03:42, andychar said:

Top 10 in the World still not enough. Am I going to have to win a Tournament? They can no longer Qualify for the World Cup 2034 either. 

World Cup 2034 will be in Australia by the way. A nice different location.

 

Have you tried playing away? I'm Australia and not many teams want to travel so far to play. However, if I choose to play away from home then they seem to accept the friendly. 

[andychar]

12 hours ago, Mochard said:

Have you tried playing away? I'm Australia and not many teams want to travel so far to play. However, if I choose to play away from home then they seem to accept the friendly. 

I have. The FA don’t want me travelling! Lost cause at the moment. 

[andychar]

European Championship 2032 Squad

Well not the squad. That crappy entended squad I have to do.

When the biggest decision is dropping a keeper who hasn't played for Scotland in years then you know you've done something right.

I'm going to rock with McGinty I think. 

Patterson is only a mini injury he will be fit for the start of the Tournament. 

In a bizarre decision McGregor retires before the Tournament so I couldn't even call him up for one final swansong.

I imagine 1 of these will be cut and I imagine it will be Wilkie!

I have to cut a number of players and for once it's going to be a tricky decision.

[andychar]

Goddamn it Liam. You know how I feel about giving guys send offs. You can start in your final Tournament. You only 36! Craig Gordan went on till he was like 81.

[andychar]

Euro 2032 Actual Squad

I found this quite tricky not going to lie!

Liam Kelly will start. He will pick up at least 6 caps. He won't reach 100 however. Hopefully he had a successful send off. Luckily McGinty has stepped up and will help bridge the gap until after the next Euros I imagine.

Looking at it. I think I've made a mistake. I picked McTominay over another CB because of his ability to play numerous roles. I think I should have gone another CB. Cross the bridge when we get to it.

George Buchan is perhaps the biggest drop of the entire squad. I felt we had enough cover there not to warrant his place on the plane (the imaginary plane cos we at home). Not picture but deffo picked is Hardwick.

No surprises here but I can see Laidlaw being the starter and Munro on the wing. 

[andychar]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

[andychar]

Friendly

Gabon (h)

For some reason this tab refreshed so lost the screenshots with team sheet etc so lets dive straight into the game.

We started well and its Munro on his way to 100. Has a chance of getting it this Tournament if he had a good one!

Hardwick double the lead and we are looking good for ticking another Country off the list.

Turbull penalty. Hope these penalties don't dry up during the Finals.

Ben Doak grabs 2 quick goals before the half.

Wasn't expecting this good of a performance really.

Slow second half but Munro gets us firing.

Doak grabs an unlikely hattrick. He's made an impression recently.

Solid outing.

[andychar]

Friendly

El Salvador (h)

I'm going to use this as my platform to try the starting XI I want to rock with going forward in Euro 2032. Last time I did this I was left quite disappointed.

This is what I think is my strongest XI although. Doig can be swapped with Hickey. Erhahon can be swapped with Gilmour or Hunter.

Looking at it I think its the best side we have taken to a Major Finals. The most well rounded either way.

We were made to work for it but finally, Hardwick fires us into the lead.

Not used to such a low scoring affair but we have been dominant. Not totally discouraged!

Hardwick again and we start the half strong.

Hardwick hattrick. Him and Munro are our best players I think.

Laidlaw grabs a goal and this is more like it!

Strong stuff against a semi decent team. 

[andychar]

Friendly

Botswana (h)

If the last game was my strongest XI this will be the opposite. Keeping players fit is the key.

Not an entire XI change but enough. The starters will be off at half time.

Turnbull fires us into an early lead.

Gilmour...misses a penalty...stunned silence hits the Ground...somewhere in the World....a sink hole opens up...this is it people...the end is here.

Nairn gets a somewhat rare start and takes advantage.

It appears to be Turnbull's turn for the unlikely hattrick. One away.

Ben Doak. He's been in good form.

Turnbull hattrick. Things you love to see.

Nice kickabout before the serious stuff begins.

Lowry comes off the bench and adds some gloss to a boring second half.

Lowry with a beautiful second.

Dominant performance.

[andychar]

I shall call this post "Records that will never be broken unless we host another Tournament". Catchy.

16 Matches won in a row
14 Matches without conceding a goal.

Cue a competitive fixture....

[andychar]

Euro 2032

Albania (h)

We start our Tournament and indeed the entire Tournament with (on paper) our easiest fixture. Nice to get a win under the belt early in this Tournament. Takes the pressure off the rest of the games a wee bit.

The expectation is just to qualify from the Group. If I don't then it's probably going to be my job. And well deserved to.

First time I've been able to post Odds for ages! We are favourites but its not odds on. This could be tight but we really should be winning it if we want to be taken seriously.

We will play this game at Celtic Park.

Imagine if we somehow finish ahead of England in the Rankings after this and finally convince all those players to join us!

Our first competitive fixture in what feels like forever. Lets get to it!

A brilliant freekick from Turnbull and Celtic Park erupts.

Dylan Munro. On the wing but still scoring goals. Brilliant start for us.

Alex Lowry with the finish and I was not expecting this.

I didn't know where I stood after a year of easy games but this is brilliant stuff.

Hardwick with an easy finish after a Turnbull shot smashes the bar. It fell kindly.

We've had worse halves of football.

Job done in the first we took our foot off the gas for the second. Brilliant performance and fantastic start to the Tournament.

[andychar]

Euro 2032

Day 2 saw 3 games and the Tournament get into full swing.

A huge shock to start the day with England falling to Austria. The other hosts also lose in a very tight Group B. Suddenly this England v Scotland game is huge.

Day 3 had the chance for more shocks.

But failed to deliver really.

Day 4 saw 3 more games.

Portugal really laid down a marker. Big win.

Day 5 saw the end of the first set of fixtures and the build up to our game with England. Group F is the group of death.

Germany have seemingly bounced back for their days in the wilderness.

We are up next....

[andychar]

Euro 2032

England (h)

We grace Hampden Park with this tasty fixture. A decade in the making. Can you imagine if we beat England and they would have to rely on beating Albania and other results going their way?

Despite the home field advantage and the opening day we are classed as underdogs. Suits me to a tee this.

Not looking to stray far from the XI that thrashed Albania 4-0.

 Before we played 2 games finished...

Two draws and the pressure has just been vamped up on England. This game is huge.

We started strong and fully deserve this! Hardwick with the goal after a nervy VAR check.

A goal from nowhere which proves England are a real threat still.

We deserved the lead but England grew into the game as it went on. Big 45 coming up.

I've made 2 changes at the break. Munro goes up front as Laidlaw has been invisible. McGurk comes on for the gassed Campbell.

We just haven't been able to keep up the great start. Turnaround complete.

David Turnbull! He ensures the lead didn't last long. Game on!

Munro!!! What a game this has been!

17 minutes to hold on for a famous famous victory.

Heartbreak! Sancho equalises, against a run of play a wee bit.

What a game of football. We probably deserved to win but we just couldn't hold on. Could have been worse though.

[andychar]

Euro 2032

The next day had something to live up to.

Wales haven't lived upto expectations so far. Zero goals scored. But they can still qualify. That's all that matters.

Plenty of goals the next day. 

I've lost track of how many days there's been after that England game! This day sees the end of the 2nd set of Fixtures.

Sweden and Ukraine could have really shot themselves in the foot and Ireland fail to take advantage of an extra man for 87 minutes!

Its time to wrap up the Group Stage...

[andychar]

Euro 2032

Austria (h)

We return to Celtic Park for this one. Our record against Austria is unreal. This would be a really bad time to pick up the first loss against them. A draw guarentees not only qualification but top spot as well.

This surprises me. I would make us favourites. Hope I've not underestimated them.

McGurk starts for Campbell who needs a rest. Same with Turnbull and Lowry, Erhahon and Gilmour come in. Laidlaw dropped, he's been poor. Munro goes upfront giving the start to Doak. Big game this could shape the rest of the Tournament.

England play Albania at the same time. Huge game for them. Should win, should be through safe.

Not the start we wanted. We have been awful so far.

35th Minute. Austria are down to 10. The ref has been very card heavy. This was a straight red. Chance for us. A chance we haven't deserved.

Worst 45 we have put together for a long time. We had a goal disallowed for offside but other than that. Awful.

A goal out of nothing really. Munro goes on the wing and scores. Go figure. Nervy VAR check again.

Hopefully we have gotten our poor performance out the way.

England won 4-1. They should be through!

[andychar]

Euro 2032

Well I will take this break in the England v Iran game to post another!

Group B finished and it had a chance to be very tasty...

Wales exit on a wimper and Poland will be joining them. 

Group C was tasty! Denmark and England through. Turkey face the nervous wait.

Turkey do get through along with Ireland, England and Denmark as the lucky 4.

It all means this...

Not quite sure that is entirely fair finishing top! But it is what it is. Naturally the game will be played in Wales.

Both Austria and England get an easier draw finishing 2nd and 3rd in the Group! COME ON!

[andychar]

Euro 2032

Holland (n)

There are some tasty games in the Last 16. Unfortunetly we are one of them. We travel to Cardiff for this one.

I don't have high hopes for this one. We have had the rub of the green with draws in previous Tournament so I really can't grumble one has finally gone against us. Shame is come in the one I feel the most confident about!

The bookies don't make us favourites. And rightly so I think. We like the underdog label. 

Two suspensions. Doig out Hickey in. Hardwick out Laidlaw in because Munro goes to the wing. It hasn't worked all tournament but we have no choice now.

I have a bad feeling about this game.

We have started positively and find ourselves in the lead! Laidlaw has been poor this tournament but he fires us into the lead with a cool finish.

Long way to go!

A big mistake from the keeper. Gives it straight to Munro who slots it home! 

Holland are back in this game. Can't really grumble with how the game has gone on.

We can't grumble with the lead at the moment its been a very even half which can argue Holland have edged. Big 45 coming up. Can we hold on?

An early penalty. Turnbull steps up and its saved! 

A huge 2 mintues of football and a crippling 2 minutes. We are going to have to pick ourselves up big time here.

Cometh the hour cometh the man! Munro gets his second and yes I would like to proceed with changes. Doak's on his arse.

Get in there! We survive and reach the quarters once again! Huge result and another big name ticked off the list!

Never in doubt. Always had a good feeling!

[andychar]

Euro 2032

The knockouts continue and its brilliant knowing we are still there.

And just to show how strong our Group was!

I dunno you wait for one then 4 come in the same year!

Two brutal suspensions. More on that later.

France looking strong. Norway will be a tricky fixture and Germany, I thought they were back...maybe not...although tricky to play with 10 men for as long as they did.

Portugal left it late but they are through that's all that matters to them.

Am I right in thinking every single one of these is a Derby?

[andychar]

Euro 2032

England (n)

You'll notice the n. Once again we travel to Wales for arguably our biggest ever fixture. England v Scotland in Wales. Can't script it. 

We have played them once this Tournament, we were the better side playing out a 3-3 draw but this is different. This is pressure filled.

England are the favourites. We have only been favourites for one of our games this Tournament so far. 

I mentioned Key Suspensions before. We will be without Kieran Tierney who may have played his final game for Scotland. We are also missing Munro. A huge loss going forward.

Before we played it was the Scandanavians getting us underway in the quarters.

Norway will be a very tricky game for anybody they face...it will be us if we get through.

Out of the starting line up. 2 would miss a potentail semi with a yellow. Patterson (its a miracle he's lasted this long) and Hickey. On the bench its only Gilmour who would miss. 

I've decided to go with tired players. This game is too big to go with anything other than the strongest I can pick.

We have a habit of reaching this stage and then crumbling. Is this the one we finally reach the Semi?

England should be winning. The chances they missed were big chances while we didn't have an attacking highlight. Can't grumble with 0-0 at the break. Some tired legs out there!

A 30 yard screamer. It seemed to be the only way there was going to be a goal in this awful game.

It took a freak 30 yard screamer. Once again a disappointing performance in a Major Tournament. Its a pattern I'm getting sick of seeing.

[andychar]

Euro 2032

Should I be annoyed that both my knockout games during my home Tournament were bloody played away!?

Anyway this is how the rest of the Tournament went on.

Austria stunned France. Maybe that 1-1 isn't so bad!

Portugal have looked good all Tournament and march on. Favourites?

Its a Tournament that started badly for England but they reach their 4th Final in a row. Looking to win it for the 2nd time in a row.

Where amazingly they will face Austria.

How strong was our Group eh!

Are we looking at a shock winner of the Euros?

No is the answer really.

We don't go up or down in the rankings which isn't bad I suppose.

John McGinn didn't get called up and has decided to call it a day. Its been a while since Gauld made an apperance so not bothered.

I didn't realise it was just International Football though. Worth asking Kelly back in a few months?

This one hurts. Thought I had him until at least the World Cup.

 

[andychar]

Our attention swiftly turns to another Nations League. Nice to have a fresh start and face different teams...our next game being against....England.

One thing I can happily admit. I made a mistake not calling up Buchan. We were struggling on the wings in the end and poor Doak was the walking dead by the end.

So what will our first squad without Liam Kelly and Kieran Tierney look like?

At least we don't have far to travel!

I have no idea who I am going to pick. Youth with Ure? Potential with Johnson? Experience with McGinty?

This isn't as good as it used to look! Patterson is now our most capped player. Robertson keeps his record for the time being! Patterson, Hickey and Doig give us good players on the width. Likely to be Campbell and McGurk the CB pairing.

I had a decision here and went with Erhahon over Gilmour. Maybe gone overboard with the AML options although Doak can also play AMR well.

No point picking more than 2 here.

[andychar]

Update

Its time for the after Tournament update!

8/46 here, a good few ticked off but not recently.

54 Countries in Africa, 19 ticked off. Always been steady. 

9 out of 35, only the 2 ticked off here since last time. Stready as she goes with North America.

53 Countries now we have deleted Russia. 25 teams ticked off so we aren't even half way here! Only one ticked off since the last break and it was a big one. Holland.

For some reason I took this portion of the save to tick off as many OFC as I can. 5 out of 11. Closest we are to getting rid of one.

South America 3 out of 10. Its like Europe, I feel I could face any of these in the World Cup so no friendlies for now.

5 out of 16 here. Slowly and steadily tick these off.

So overall we are 69/225 (nice).

Good few years with a chance of a lot of friendlies. We start the next 2 year cycle with a chance to tick off 3 European teams. Lets see how it goes. Remember the average is still 7/8 a year.

[andychar]

Nations League

England (a)

3rd time we have played England in 5 games. This is the one I have the least amount of hope for. Just being away from home I don't have a good feeling about it.

Bookies agree.

Our strongest line up. Decided against Laidlaw up front and Munro on the wing but could change during the game. Its a weaker squad than what we had out in the Summer but only just. The big decision madem was the keeper. I went with youth. Might as well get him used to the set up now if he's going to be the starter for the next 10 years.

Decision already looking like a good one! Munro through and finishes well.

Silly challenge in the box and no mistakes. Its been coming.

Rashford turns this game around. Its the hope that kills you.

We can't grumble. We have been second best. Its going to be hard to turn this game around from here.

Rashford again. One man has destroyed us today.

Can't really grumble but I think back to the 2 games in the Euros when we were the better team and still couldn't win. A bit of return would be nice eh!

[andychar]

Nations League 

Wales (a)

Tricky start playing back to back away games but this is one I feel we need to take something from if we want to remain in the top Division next time. It will be between us and Wales so a point at least here would go a long away.

Patterson injured so Calvin Ramsey comes in to replace. I say injured, he had a dodgy kebab it appears.

We are listed as favourite, if 6-4 can be classed as favourite!

Assistant tells me I should be playing McGinty, I've stuck with my guns. Erhahon, Brennan,McGurk come into the starting line up. Munro goes out wide and Laidlaw starts. 

For some reason I'm not feeling this. I feel like we have done well to be in the Top Division for as long as we have but I feel our luck is running out.

Great early start. Its Laidlaw with the finish. We started well last game as well....

Laidlaw! Brilliant finish. Brilliant start!

Its a penalty and a Laidlaw hattrick. I am sorry I didn't trust you to start up front!

Laidlaw has been at his clinical best today. What's wrong with me, even at 3-0 I'm not feeling confident!

Hardwick off the bench and now I will relax.

Very even game but we took our chances brilliantly.

It went how I expected it to. Brilliant result against Wales, not just the win but big advantage in the Head to Head.

Say it quietly...but I'm happy.

[andychar]

Johnston was literally picked as the 23rd man because I had a spare.

It was always going to come down to this, a battle between Johnson and McGinty. 6 years is a long time. I think Johnson will finally be the Scottish Number 1.

Looks like Semple just won't reach the heights he once promised. Some players here who are coming good when we need them, Doig and Ramsay. Hickey misses out through injury.

High hopes for Brennan. Its been a better quality of player before. Certainly feel this isn't the best Scotland side we have had.

Except these two absolute beasts. Easy to forget Munro is only 24!

[andychar]

Nations League

Belgium (h)

This is my best chance to tick Belgium off the list. Can we build on the great result against Wales?

Never believe what I say when it comes to the keepers. Because even I don't know. Strongest XI for me. Lets get to it.

We have been second best buy Lowry puts us into the lead. Woooo.

Turnbull with a brilliant freekick. Where was this during the World Cup!

Its not been pretty but its been a brilliant half. More of the same please.

Munro with a lovely goal. Dreamland.

We get pegged back straight away. Game back on.

Lowry plays best when hes AMC and he is proving it here tonight. Second goal. Brilliant stuff.

Brilliant performance.

[andychar]

Nations League

Wales (h)

If we win here not only are we safe (Wales won't be able to beat us via Head to Head) but we will be in a position to give England a good run for their money. We can underestimate Wales however, while we were beating Belgium Wales were beating England to make this Group very tasty!

We are favourites. I've lost the screenshot but we are favourites.

I think the 4-0 win was a freak result so we can't assume this is going to go the same way.

Fatigue plays a factor. Lowry gave us everything against Belgium, he's shattered. A different partnership at the back. Munro on the wing with Laidlaw leading the line.

Big chance to make an impression here.

Keeper has had a mare and gifted us the lead.

An own goal apiece!

30th minute and Wales are down to 10 men after a shocking lunge. This has been a very eventful game and we have a chance here.

We need to put our foot on the throat now and win this game.

Munro! 100th goal for Scotland and its a big one.

Make that 101. Surely game over?

Laidlaw adds the icing.

The red card helped obviously but we took full advantage.

England came from behind to beat Belgium so its as you were but we are looking good for another 2nd place finish.

[andychar]

The final two Nations League games are coming up and we have a chance to top the Group still. A win over England will give us a huge advantage going into the Final game. 

If we lose against England it will be the most unsucessful attempts to beat a Nation so far. Typical its England.

Curutchet is a player I begged to pick me over France and then he never was good enough to be called up. Now he's good enough I think!

Has McGinty made the #1 shirt his own?

Chance Patterson joins the Century club unless he gets himself suspended. Wouldn't rule it out!

Plenty of good options still in the midfield. Hardwick not pictured but called up.

Nearly 150 goals between them.