Steve Clarke admits ultimate Scotland vs Ukraine decision may take 6 months as April World Cup playoff talks expected

Scotland boss Steve Clarke believes it could take another six months before he discovers if his side will face Ukraine in a World Cup play-off.

The two nations were meant to meet in a semi-final showdown at Hampden on Thursday night with a place at Qatar 2022 on the line.

But the game was postponed until June after Vladimir Putin’s war machine crossed the border to unleash death and destruction on their neighbours.

And, with the situation on the ground deteriorating by the day, Clarke now admits it’s becoming almost inconceivable that the Ukrainians will be ready, willing or able to play a game of football when the current season comes to a conclusion.

Asked yesterday if Scotland might be kept waiting until August or September before discovering if the qualifier can go ahead Clarke - whose side face a fundraiser against Poland instead - said: “Yes. That’s the easiest way to say it, yes.

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“We have to be guided by FIFA, UEFA and most importantly by Ukraine themselves.

“If you look at it and you’re honest about the situation now then, yes. It’s difficult to see how we’ll be playing them in June and it’s not just about the fixture, it’s the fact that they need to get together, have a training camp and