Steve Clarke Announces Scotland Squad for Final Qualifying Double Header
Steve Clarke has named his Scotland squad ahead of the two crucial upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifying ties with both Greece and Denmark. Scotland currently sit second in their respective group with at least a play-offs spot in the bag with first place also up for grabs if the Scots’ are to draw or win over Greece and defeat Denmark in Glasgow. Steve Clarke has included Falkirk shot-stopper, Scott Bain as the Bairns keeper makes his well awaited return to the National team after impressive performances at Falkirk so far this season with Angus Gun n missing through injury. Hearts goal machine, Lawrence Shankland returns to lead the line who hasn’t played nationally in a year. The striker has been in fine form in Gorgie with 10 goals in 15 for the Scottish Premiership league leaders. Ross McCrorie also returns to the squad as the Bristol City man made his debut last year against Gibraltar who has impressed in the English Championship this campaign. Josh Doig is also back within the side after being an absentee in October through injury. Andrew Robertson the Liverpool star will be aiming to make his 90th Scotland appearance should the full-back feature in both ties. The squad in full: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Rangers). Defenders: Josh Doig (Sassulo), Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (AL-Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Ross McCrorie (Bristol City), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic). Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Scott McTominay (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Lennon Miller (Udinese). Forwards: Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), George Hirst (Ipswich), Che Adams (Torino).
Sunderland 1-1 Everton: Points Shared after Stunning Solo Goal
Sunderland 1-1 Everton Xhaka (46′) Ndiaye (15′) Granit Xhaka’s early second-half strike earned Sunderland a draw against Everton, as Regis Le Bris’ side moved back into the Premier League top four. The visitors entered the game just four points above the relegation side, but enjoyed the better chances in the first period. Thierno Barry headed down Jordan Pickford’s long ball in the opening seconds, Joe Garner connected sweetly on the edge of the box, but the left-footed strike whistled wide. Everton took the lead in the 14th minute thanks to a tremendous solo from Iliman Ndiaye. The Senegalese attacker drifted in from the right, jinking past several Sunderland bodies, before curling past Robin Roefs. Jack Grealish almost doubled the lead six minutes later. After shifting the ball onto his right foot, his 20-yard strike cannoned off the post to the relief of the home faithful. Barry should have doubled Everton’s lead on the half-hour mark. Barry ghosted in to the back post to meet Grealish’s clever cross, but from 5 yards, the striker could only flash over. David Moyes would have been pleased with his side’s performance, but perhaps frustrated that they were unable to add to Ndiaye’s solo effort. Xhaka responded for Sunderland just seconds into the second half. The captain drilled a left-footed shot towards Pickford’s goal, which took a deflection off James Tarkowski and sailed high into the net. Everton suddenly looked on the ropes, and Pickford had to react quickly to tip Enzo Le Fee’s deflected strike away from the goal to keep the score level. The draw leaves Sunderland in the top four on 18 points, as they grow on their outstanding start after promotion to the Premier League. Everton sit 14th, and are without a win in their last three matches. Sunderland: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Mandava, Traore (Talbi 82′) Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee, Isidor (Brobbey 83′) Everton: Pickford, O’Brien (Iroegbunam 83′) Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall (Alcaraz 83′) Grealish, Barry (Beto 57′)
