Celtic defender drops to bench as Scotland boss rings the changes for crucial Armenia clash

Celtic defender Anthony Ralston has dropped down to the bench as Scotland boss Steve Clarke names his side for today's crucial Nations League match against Armenia in Yerevan.

Following Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Republic of Ireland, this is something of a must-win game, and there have been four changes.

Ralston drops down to the bench alongside Ryan Christie, while Andy Robertson and Scott McKenna are out entirely.

In comes Everton star Nathan Patterson, Chelsea's Billy Gilmour, Greg Taylor of Celtic, and Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong.

Ralston's fellow North Lanarkshire Celtic teammate David Turnbull is also on the bench, as is Stephen O'Donnell and Lewis Ferguson, while there's also a place for Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly and former Fir Park favourite Allan Campbell, who currently plays for Luton Town.

Former Albion Rovers striker Ross Stewart from Coatbridge keeps his place on the bench, and he is joined by keeper Robbie McCrorie, Jacob Brown and Aaron Hickey.

Scotland can move up Group B1 with a win over an Armenia side that is currently bottom, with one win in three games.

The Scotland team is as follows:

Gordon, Patterson, McTominay, Hanley, McGinn (c), McGregor, Adams, Hendry, Gilmour, Taylor, Armstrong.

Subs: McCrorie (GK), Kelly (GK), O'Donnell, Stewart, Christie, Campbell, Turnbull, Brown, Ferguson, Hickey, Ralston.

Kick-off at the Republican Stadium is at 5pm.

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