Ben Doak of Scotland is challenged by Josko Gvardiol of Croatia (Image: Getty Images)

The 4 burning Scotland questions answered by the Jury from Cristiano Ronaldo panic to Ben Doak hype train

It's a Scotland special on the Jury as the pressure mounts on Steve Clarke

by · Daily Record

First things first, is the clash with Portugal at Hampden a must-win for Steve Clarke?

KEITH JACKSON: While a win would be most welcome it should not be a non-negotiable where Clarke’s position is concerned. Yes, the results are stacking up against the manager but, even so, improvements are being made. Throwing the baby out with the bathwater will achieve nothing.

ANDY NEWPORT: One win in 15 is clearly alarm bell territory for the manager but you can’t ignore the nuances of the last few months. Performances are trending in the right direction against top-class opposition and the nightmare injury list should ease. With that in mind, Clarke deserves time.

SCOTT BURNS: No. It would be unfair on any Scotland manager to demand he beat a team of Portugal’s calibre, irrespective of current form. Of course, Clarke is under pressure. But in three Nations League games against the big boys, we’ve played well and lost narrowly. That’s the harsh realities of the top tier. He needs to find a victory from somewhere but there are positive signs.

What changes would you make to the starting line up for the visit of Cristiano Ronaldo and co?

KEITH:Che Adams will probably take over from Lyndon Dykes in attack. But, so long as the rest are unscathed, it should be a case of same again.

ANDY: With 10 squad regulars out injured there’s not much scope for tinkering. It’s perhaps a toss up between Adams and Dykes for the No9 jersey but I’d have no major concerns if he sent out the same Zagreb XI.

SCOTT: I’d have no complaints with the same starting XI from Zagreb although I’d probably prefer to see in-form Serie A striker Che Adams get the nod over Lyndon Dykes up front, especially after his late cameo against the Croats.

Ben Doak made his first Scotland start in Zagreb - do you believe the hype?

KEITH: Jurgen Klopp was grooming the teenager as Liverpool’s long term Mo Salah successor and, in his first Scotland start, he had Josko Gvardiol on toast. So, as much as calm heads are required, it’s hard not to get excited about what lies ahead for the 18-year-old.

ANDY: There’s plenty of reason to be excited about the kid but there’s also a reason why he’s on loan at Middlesbrough and not staring at Anfield. His direct dribbling is already top notch but you saw on Saturday his final ball requires some fine tuning. But he’s a huge prospect alright.

SCOTT: It’s important we don’t put too much pressure on an 18-year-old kid but it definitely feels like Doak is the real deal. He had Josko Gvardiol on toast at times on Saturday night, which should give the Tartan Army real hope for now and the future. Hopefully Clarke keeps him in the team to face Portugal.

Craig Gordon or Angus Gunn - going forward, who should be Scotland’s No1?

KEITH: Gordon grabbed the gloves back on Saturday night and looked every inch like Scotland’s No1. It should be his jersey to keep for the time being at least.

ANDY: There’s an argument that Gordon would have started on Saturday regardless of whether Gunn was injured or not. The Norwich shot-stopper hasn’t been at his best lately while Gordon is on a mission to prove he’s far from finished. For me, the jersey is his by rights.

SCOTT: That’s an interesting one now. Gunn probably

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