Who Should Steve Clarke Start in Goals for Crucial World Cup Qualifying Camp?

Scotland is on the brink of a maiden World Cup appearance in 27 years, and of all the decisions Steve Clarke faces ahead of a crucial double header this week, the choice of goalkeeper may be the most important one. While Angus Gunn has impressed in the opening four games, securing two clean sheets and producing key saves against Greece and Belarus at Hampden, a knee problem has ruled the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper out of the crucial double-header. Manager Steve Clarke must now look elsewhere, having included veteran Craig Gordon, Rangers’ Liam Kelly, and Falkirk’s Scott Bain in the squad. With a pivotal test against Greece looming on Saturday evening, the decision in goal could define the camp. With 81 caps, Craig Gordon would be the sensible choice, bringing experience to the national side. However, the Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper has not featured domestically since suffering a neck injury in May, and has been edged out of Derek McInnes’ side following the summer arrival of Alexander Schwolow. The two other options offer contrasting levels of match sharpness. Scott Bain has returned to the Scottish setup for the first time since 2018, having earned a clean sheet in a 2-0 away victory over San Marino during his last stint. Crucially, the 33-year-old has been a regular for Falkirk since his summer move from Celtic, starting all twelve games in the Scottish Premiership. Whilst he may lack national experience, his consistent gametime and current form could persuade Clarke to look his way. Meanwhile, Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly has been regularly included in the national side since 2021 but has only one friendly cap to his name. Though he was a mainstay during his 154 appearances for Motherwell, he is currently second-choice at Ibrox to Jack Butland, managing only one start this season against Alloa Athletic in the League Cup. Despite this, Kelly has shown he can step up to the highest level, having previously started for Rangers in an impressive 3-0 Old Firm derby victory in January. The three goalkeepers bring different attributes: Gordon offers pedigree but no form, Bain offers consistent game time at a lower level, and Kelly offers top-level potential but sporadic appearances. The choice could shape Scotland’s World Cup hopes, and is a decision that Clarke must get right. Scotland travel to the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis on Saturday evening to face Greece, before welcoming Denmark to Hampden the following Tuesday as part of a potential World Cup showdown.