Andy Robertson is Mr Overrated and it's a Scotland blessing when he's not about - Hotline

Scotland can take a giant leap towards securing a Euro 2024 play-off spot against Ireland at Hampden tomorrow.

But even Wednesday’s sparkling display that swept aside Ukraine, sending Steve Clarke ’s side to the top of the Nations League group, wasn’t enough to convince everyone the manager has the nation back on track after a stuttering summer.

Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: “It was a great result for Scotland against Ukraine. However, there is no secret or great tactical plan to achieving this. It was simply down to playing centre halves at centre half, full backs at full back and midfielders in midfield. Something that until Wednesday, Mr Clark was averse to doing. I worry that this team selection was made due to injury and call offs and not as a tactical choice and that he will revert back to the failed system of the past when he has the full squad available to him.”

Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: “I have said it before and I will say it again, Scotland play better when Andy Robertson is not playing. He is overrated, he might be okay for Liverpool but not Scotland.”

Davie Kirkpatrick, Edinburgh, added: “Scotland were excellent against Ukraine but how often can they string three good performances together? Saturday is an even bigger challenge against an Ireland side that made us look like we’d been on the Guinness in Dublin while Ukraine in Krakow on Tuesday is the real test of this side’s mettle.”

But Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, quipped: “Scotland are entering a new McGinning after their Ukraine result and Euro 24 qualifying looks a strong possibility under Steve Clarke.”

Reader Alan Flett claimed international football should be abolished in yesterday’s Hotline, suggesting it was a hinderance to the football