3 major Scotland selection dilemmas facing Steve Clarke as road to World Cup starts with huge Denmark test

Here we go again.

Another Scotland qualifying campaign begins and this time it is for the World Cup.

Steve Clarke and his troops have reached back to back Euro finals but this time they want to join the biggest stage in football and just six games stand between the Dark Blues and making that dream a reality.

The Tartan Army - as they always do - will arrive in Copenhagen in healthy numbers for the opener at Denmark.

Back to back home defeats recently to Greece and Iceland mean the feel good factor is at a low - despite dumping minnows Liechtenstein last time out to end that rotten run of form.

But a fresh campaign and start means Clarke and Co can get the nation back on that ultimate high once more.

A victory tonight in Denmark would go a long way to getting things moving in that direction as Clarke and his coaching team mull over the best XI to do just that.

Three major selection dilemmas face the national team boss starting with his goalkeeper.

Angus Gunn has taken on the gloves but got injured last time out and has since not played at Nottingham Forest. It is a similar story at Rangers for Liam Kelly with Jack Butland in top form while Zander Clark has been playing at Hearts.

At right-back, Anthony Ralston has been his go to man of late but he is ruled out of this camp and Aaron Hickey is back in.

The dilemma may come down to his lack of football over the past couple of years due to injury with two games in quick succession but Max Johnston is involved in the group and has played regularly and is now in England at Derby County.

The other position up for debate is the No9 role.

Kieron Bowie has had a stunning start to the season at Hibs and has shown his real qualities - particularly in Europe.

George Hirst and Che Adams are also in contention while Lyndon Dykes - a Clarke favourite - is the fourth option.

Hirst has one goal in five outings so far. Dykes - who seen a deadline day move to Hibs collapse - has been a bit part player at Birmingham and has one goal to his name but minutes are lacking while Serie A is just back up and running for Adams and Torino.

Bowie has plenty game time under his belt with nine appearances across all competitions and with three goals is the form man.

But will Clarke go for the tried and tested or will he tear up the script as qualifying gets underway?

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