Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn training ahead of the friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein International friendly: Scotland v Iceland When:Friday, 6 JuneWhere:Hampden ParkKick-off:19:45 BST Coverage:Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app, online text updates, listen on BBC Radio Scotland The guy who was most recently Scotland's first-choice goalkeeper is 42 and currently out injured. His likely replacement doesn't have a club. The next two in line - depending on your view of the pecking order - have been in and out of the Kilmarnock team this season and made just a handful of senior appearances respectively. All other contenders for the position are either out of form or out of favour. That has led head coach Steve Clarke to recently suggest Scotland's lack of options in goal has been an oversight. Angus Gunn is likely to be the preferred choice for the friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein. But is he the long-term answer? If not, who is? When announcing the squad for these matches, Scotland head coach Clarke admitted concern at the dearth of goalkeepers coming through, adding it had been "probably an oversight" given the quality of options over the past two decades. He pointed to injured veteran Craig Gordon, and retired duo David Marshall and Allan McGregor, as the kind of talent that currently just isn't there. The answer, in his view, lies in giving young goalkeepers an early opportunity to play competitively. "A lot tend to be kept in squads to sit on the bench," said Clarke. "They are working with good people and learning good habits but only in training. "Maybe we can find a way to get these young goalkeepers out to clubs in League 1, League 2, the Championship at an earlier age where they play and do well. "The boys need a chance and, when they get a chance, they need to take it." Gunn returns to the squad for these friendlies and seems likely to start despite currently being a free agent after leaving Norwich City. With 15 caps, the 29-year-old was first choice at Euro 2024 before injury struck, allowing Gordon, 42, to reclaim his spot. Now it's his chance to turn the tables. Uncapped duo Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker provide back-up, with the latter having played just 10 minutes as a substitute for Ipswich Town all season. McCrorie made 20 Premiership starts for Kilmarnock, while the majority of Scottish top-flight goalkeepers come from other countries. Other recent squad members, such as Rangers' Liam Kelly and Zander Clark at Hearts, are also lacking game time. "I wouldn't say there has been an issue," Gunn said on Tuesday. "I think the nation's been blessed with top goalkeepers for many years. Things happen in cycles. "The three guys here training with us this week all look top-quality young keepers, but it's about experience and game time in big games. "I was quite inexperienced when I came into the squad. Playing at the Euros was a big learning curve for me and a big opportunity. "Only things like that can help and benefit goalkeepers and without experience you're not going to get any better." While it often proves futile to speculate on the next big thing, Clarke clearly thinks hope lies with Callan McKenna, who has joined the squad this week in training. The 18-year-old was number one for Queen's Park in the Scottish Championship at the start of season 2023-24, before joining English Premier League side Bournemouth, where he is part of their development squad. The fact Clarke has brought him into the fold supports the idea that experience of the international environment is key, but not just in training over the longer term. McCrorie, 27, and the 22-year-old Slicker will undoubtedly do everything in their power to stake their claims over the coming days, but Clarke's openness on this subject suggests he believes he needs more options for the future. That said, with World Cup qualification next on the agenda after this friendly double-header, Clarke will surely rely on experience in such a key position for the opening fixtures away to Denmark and Belarus.
Is Gunn answer to Scotland's goalkeeping dilemma?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scotland Faces Goalkeeping Challenges Ahead of Upcoming Friendlies"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Scotland's goalkeeping situation is currently facing significant challenges as head coach Steve Clarke prepares for upcoming international friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein. With the previous first-choice goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, sidelined due to injury at the age of 42, the immediate options for Clarke are limited. Angus Gunn, who is currently a free agent after leaving Norwich City, is expected to take the starting role. Clarke has expressed concerns about the scarcity of quality goalkeepers emerging in the national setup, highlighting the need for young talent to gain competitive experience. The alternatives, such as Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker, have had minimal exposure in senior matches, raising questions about the depth and readiness of Scotland's goalkeeping pool. Clarke emphasized that there has been an oversight in the development of young goalkeepers, suggesting that they should be given opportunities to play at lower league clubs to gain valuable match experience.
Angus Gunn, with 15 caps and having previously been Scotland's first choice during Euro 2024 qualifiers, now faces a pivotal moment to establish himself as a long-term solution for the national team. He acknowledges the importance of gaining experience in high-pressure situations, as he reflects on his own learning curve during his earlier appearances. Clarke's inclusion of 18-year-old Callan McKenna, who has shown promise in the Scottish Championship and is now with Bournemouth, indicates a strategic move to cultivate fresh talent within the squad. However, as Scotland gears up for World Cup qualification, Clarke may lean on experienced players to ensure the team is competitive in crucial matches against Denmark and Belarus. The road ahead for Scotland's goalkeeping position appears uncertain, but there is a clear recognition of the need for both immediate performance and long-term development in this critical area of the team.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the current situation regarding Scotland's goalkeeping options, highlighting the challenges faced by the national team ahead of upcoming friendlies. With the first-choice goalkeeper out injured and others struggling for form, there is a clear sense of urgency for finding a reliable solution.
Goalkeeping Crisis in Scotland
The article outlines a pressing issue within the Scotland national football team: the lack of strong goalkeeping options. The head coach, Steve Clarke, expresses concern about the state of the goalkeeping pool, noting that many potential candidates are either untested or currently not performing at their best. This situation has led to speculation about whether Angus Gunn could be a long-term solution, or merely a temporary fix.
Clarke's Strategy for Development
Clarke suggests that the future of Scottish goalkeeping relies on providing younger players with more competitive opportunities. He critiques the tendency to keep young talents on the bench rather than allowing them to gain valuable experience in lower leagues. This perspective indicates a shift in strategy that aims to rejuvenate the goalkeeping position in the national squad.
Urgency for Change
The urgency of the situation is palpable, as the article conveys the frustration surrounding the lack of depth in goalkeeping talent. By naming older players like Craig Gordon and retired figures such as David Marshall and Allan McGregor, Clarke underscores the absence of similar quality in the current crop of goalkeepers. This comparison emphasizes the need for a new generation of players to step up.
Public Perception and Media Influence
The article serves to inform the public about the challenges faced by the national team, potentially generating concern among fans about the team's future performance. By highlighting the lack of options, it may also evoke a call for change and development within the Scottish football system. This aligns with broader discussions in the media about youth development and the importance of nurturing talent.
Implications for the Future
The situation described in the article has the potential to impact not just the national team's performance but also the broader football culture in Scotland. If Clarke's suggestions lead to a more proactive approach in developing young goalkeepers, it could strengthen the national team in the long term. Conversely, continued struggles in this area might result in a prolonged period of underperformance on the international stage.
Manipulative Elements
While the article does not overtly manipulate information, it does emphasize certain narratives that could influence public sentiment regarding the Scottish football system. By focusing on the lack of quality goalkeepers, it may inadvertently create a sense of urgency that pushes for immediate changes rather than a more measured approach to youth development.
Overall, the article maintains a level of credibility, as it discusses facts and statements from a recognized figure in Scottish football. However, the narrative could be seen as leaning towards alarmism regarding the current state of goalkeeping in Scotland.