France v Scotland

[ian1964 10,761]

Why Gordon Strachan won’t thrown in kids against France

 

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has admitted he will resist the temptation to start with any young players against France in Metz for fear of doing them more harm 
than good.

 

The friendly encounter with the much-vaunted Euro 2016 hosts as they seek to set the sold-out Stade Saint-Symphorien alight going into the tournament must rank as one of the most arduous assignments in the international game. It is a test that Strachan considers he must pick an experienced side for – especially on the back of his side struggling in the 1-0 loss to 
Italy in Malta last Saturday.

 

“We’ll be playing against a different system but there’ll be changes to the team because it wasn’t easy against Italy, they had a lot of running to do, especially the ones in midfield. Will there be any young kids in? I’d like to give them a chance somewhere along the line but you can’t just throw them into something like this because you can knock them back if it’s too overwhelming for them.”

 

Strachan called for context over the clamour to give a second cap to Hibernian midfielder John McGinn and 
a debut to Rangers winger Barrie McKay following outstanding club seasons,

 

“You have to remember that Barrie McKay and John McGinn have come from the Scottish Championship,” the Scotland manager said. “I don’t see anyone getting bought even from the Scottish Premiership to go to a 
top league, and this is the league below that they’ve been playing in.

“I like what they’ve done, don’t get me wrong, but everyone in this French team plays in the Champions League. They have world-class players and it’s a different thing altogether. I have to make sure they’re completely ready.

 

“We’re not shy, we’ve put players in: Oliver Burke, Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, but you can only put one or two maximum in at the one 
time. And this is another level from the Czech Republic and Denmark [games in March]. This is the top. But you have to remember Barrie has come in and worked with us and that’s the way it should be. You very rarely come right into a club team and get thrown into a 
top European tie. You bring them in gently. I got a league cup match against Partick Thistle.”

 

And this evening’s encounter, Scotland’s last fixture before they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign in September, is anything but a gentle game. “Which is why we took it,” Strachan said. “It had to be a good game because it’s hard to keep your concentration in June.

 

“Again it’s a gamble but you hope it works and if we can go away with another couple of players added to our squad, great. And it’s worth taking the young lads in those circumstances. I’m hoping to get them on the pitch. It’s up to them after that to decide that they’ve liked the experience and go back and work harder and make themselves better.”

 

Read more: http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/scotland/why-gordon-strachan-won-t-thrown-in-kids-against-france-1-4145892#ixzz4Ab6wdXTS

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[der Berliner 3,815]

It is a friendly.

 

I bet in half a year's time, i.e. when McKay is a Premiership player, he'll get a slot no problem. This Championship stuff is utter rubbish, we know it, he knows it, but isn't man enough to change it of jump the "Scotland manager's shadow".

 

If you are good enough, who cares where you play.

 

... and to round it all off, he sticks playing people who either haven't played regularly for months, or play in the lower tiers of England or being bit-part players in the EPL. And finally, what does he expect to learn from fielding the same folk and formations time and again? IMHO it is this very attitude that holds Scotland back, has for years and resulted in them bailing out of the EC at the last possible moment. The "I need hungry players" attitude of MW is required, not a bunch of chaps knowing that they have a certain starting slot no matter how rubbish they are, e.g. Brown.

[RANGERRAB 3,771]

I suspect Strachan's time as Scotland manager will come to an end during the WC qualifiers.

[ian1964 10,761]

I suspect Strachan's time as Scotland manager will come to an end during the WC qualifiers.

 

Not with the cabal that is currently running the Scottish game!

[RANGERRAB 3,771]

Not with the cabal that is currently running the Scottish game!

 

Strachan has stupidly been made up to be some sort of messiah. We finished fourth in our Euro2016 qualifying group which was poor by any standards.

If we start badly in the WC qualifiers( in a group which we've no chance of qualifying IMO) then I think the calls for his removal will intensify.

I would also like to see the Rangers board getting involved in this for the sake of Scottish football. I would like to remove Regan too if possible. His record is one of total failure

[ian1964 10,761]

France 1-0 up already!............

[ian1964 10,761]

Make that 2-0

[ian1964 10,761]

3-0 now!,think I will go and watch Casualty.................................

[RANGERRAB 3,771]

Other than putting money into SFA coffers this game is of no significance to Scotland.

[craig 5,199]

Scotland were completely outclassed. In fact, the only time we actually did anything was when McKay came on with 8 minutes left. You could also tell that the French team knew who this "lower league player" was as they often double teamed him. He was pacy, direct and aggressive. Did more in his 10 minutes than the rest of his team mates in 90.

 

If Anya is a better player than Barrie McKay, regardless of what league he is playing in, then I will eat my hat.

 

Strachan hasn't a fucking clue in all honesty.