SCOTLAND captain Andy Robertson says not even he is safe from Alex McLeish’s axe after the dismal showing in Israel on Thursday night, claiming that all 10 outfield players should be fearing for their place.
Robertson believes that only goalkeeper Allan McGregor did himself justice in the 2-1 reverse against the team ranked 94th in the world, with the defeat leaving the Scots tied on three points with both Israel and Albania in their Uefa Nations League group.
National team coach McLeish had named the same starting XI who won their opening match of the tourn-ament against the Albanians, but ahead of tonight’s friendly against Portugal at Hampden, Robertson has warned his team-mates that no one can be assured of starting the double-header in November.
“If I was [the manager] I would be doubting every position because none of us showed up apart from Greegs, who kept the score down,” said Robertson.
“He was outstanding but, other than that, I don’t think anyone played to their capabilities, so we’re all under pressure and the lads on the bench can see that and know that there are places up for grabs.”
Kieran Tierney, Charlie Mulgrew, Robert Snodgrass and John Souttar have dropped out of the squad for tonight’s match, with Mikey Devlin, Ryan Christie and Gary Mackay-Steven coming in.
Mulgrew, Snodgrass and Souttar are all carrying knocks, but Celtic full-back Tierney has been given leave amid concerns of burn-out from the number of matches he has played already this term. The game against Israel was his 22nd match of the campaign in all competitions.
Scotland manager McLeish said: “We were prepared to make a concession to Celtic in the summer over Kieran. He is a young guy growing up and has played an enormous amount of games.”
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