Scotland take on Greece in the first leg of their Nations League play-off in Athens on Thursday night.
Here, PA news agency looks at some of the talking points ahead of the game.
Scotland newcomers
Steve Clarke freshened up his squad for the trip to Greece, with teenage Hearts forward James Wilson and highly-rated midfielder Lennon Miller, also 18, included for the first time. George Hirst was something of a left-field inclusion, with the 26-year-old Ipswich striker a late addition after paperwork was cleared. Hirst, the son of David Hirst, who made three appearances for England, represented England from Under-17 to Under-20 level but opted for a senior career with Scotland, for whom he qualifies through his grandfather. All three will be looking to get some game time over the next two matches.
Previous meetings
⏪ #OnThisDay in 1995, Ally McCoist scored the winner against Greece that helped to seal qualification for UEFA EURO 96.
At the other end of the park, Jim Leighton was in inspired form to keep the Greek attack at bay. pic.twitter.com/3GUNbcUBpr
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) August 16, 2021
Despite the expansion of international football fixtures over the years, Scotland and Greece have only met twice before – although they are scheduled to meet in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup later in the year. In the 1996 European Championship qualifiers, Ally McCoist scored the only goal of the game as Scotland beat Greece 1-0 at Hampden Park but they had lost the earlier game in Athens by the same scoreline. The Scots went on to qualify for Euro 96.
Greece’s form
Ivan Jovanovic’s side had a fine 2024/25 Nations League campaign, finishing behind League B Group 2 winners England on goal difference after losing just one game in six. England were shocked at Wembley, losing 2-1, although they were comfortable 3-0 winners in the return game in Athens. Greece beat both Finland and the Republic of Ireland home and away and despite Jovanovic trying to suggest they are underdogs against Scotland, Clarke’s side are in for two massive games.
Injuries and absentees
Ryan Christie is suspended for the first leg after being booked against Portugal and Poland during the Nations League matches last year and boss Clarke has also been hit by injuries. Striker Lyndon Dykes, a regular in the Scotland squad over recent years and newcomer Ben Doak, the Liverpool winger who is on loan at Middlesbrough, are out injured. Aaron Hickey is a long-term absentee. Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson, Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney and Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet have all returned to the squad.
