Scotland set to make changes against Armenia as Steve Clarke explains tiredness theory

Defenders Scott McKenna and Nathan Patterson are poised to step into the starting line-up as the UEFA Nations League begins. Forward Ryan Christie may also feature. After Ukraine extinguished hopes of a place at Qatar 2022 last week, Clarke fully understands the craving for victory at Hampden Park.

Whether some players are tired after long seasons at club level is a matter for debate. Clarke’s view is that, mentally, they need to be alert. He will rest anyone he feels needs a reprieve with two further Nations League ties to come in the next week – Ireland and Armenia again, both away from home.

“We need to win,” said of tonight’s match. “The gap from Ukraine to Armenia is probably enough that you don’t have to worry so much about putting people back on the pitch for another game. The thing I have to manage is the three games in six days.

“We travel to Ireland, we travel to Armenia, which is particularly long, and we will be finishing on a particularly warm note if you look at the temperatures Ireland had to play in. We kick off a little bit later but it’s going to be a shift, so I have to get the balance right for those games.”

Asked whether demanding international fixtures are fair on players right after 11 months of club duties, Clarke responded carefully. “I don’t like to talk about it going into such a run of matches because maybe the players read it and think they are tired.

“They are not tired. We have to make sure they are not tired, and certainly remind them. I think most of them are pretty keen to get started again and get back on the pitch.

“Guys who played against Ukraine are ready to go again. Obviously we’ve lost Lyndon [Dykes]. They are ready to go if I have to select them, but I also have to bear in mind