Team news: Zander Clark in goal as Scotland team to face Georgia named

Steve Clarke has named his Scotland side to face Georgia, with Zander Clark given the nod to start in goal.

The national team have already qualified for next year’s finals but are in Tbilisi for their penultimate group match before facing Norway at Hampden on Sunday.

Clarke has had tough selection decisions to make with several key players out injured, including first choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Captain Andy Robertson, fellow defenders Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey, and striker Che Adams are also missing from the squad.

That’s left some big calls for the manager, with Hearts goalkeeper Clark, Motherwell’s Liam Kelly and Rangers reserve keeper Robby McCrorie all vying for a starting spot.

Clark has been handed the jersey and starts in goal behind what looks to be a four-man defence of Greg Taylor, Ryan Porteous, Scott McKenna and Nathan Patterson.

John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay are the starting midfielders, while Ryan Christie will support Lyndon Dykes up front.

🔢 Tonight's line-up.

🧤 Zander Clark starts in goal.
©️ John McGinn wears the armband.
🔝 Lyndon Dykes leads the line.#GEOSCO pic.twitter.com/r0EcViM2aY
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 16, 2023

Clarke will reach a personal milestone at kick-off as he takes charge of his 50th international but said yesterday that he wasn’t concerned with anything other than a good performance and result.

“I didn’t know it was my 50th game until about thirty seconds ago so those sorts of things aren’t at the forefront of my mind,” he said.

“We want to improve as a team. I’m always thinking about the next game.

“At the moment I’m just thinking about the game tomorrow. We expect a really difficult game in Georgia and I’m just trying to prepare the team as best as I can so that they perform to the best of their ability.”

Scotland currently sit second in Group A, level with Spain on points but trailing on goal difference.

Tonight will be Steve Clarke's 50th game in charge of Scotland 👏

Here's to many more, gaffer 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿#GEOSCO pic.twitter.com/kTyyVH9j51
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 16, 2023