Steve Clarke must decide whether Scotland stick or twist against Ireland

Scotland’s manager works in an unforgiving domain. Steve Clarke led his country to a first major finals in more than two decades yet received fierce criticism on account of his team’s performances against the Czech Republic and Croatia. As Ukraine eased past Scotland in June, in a match when the backdrop was both curious and weighted against them, the manager was again castigated.

Some have never liked Clarke, for reasons related to petty club tribalism, but there is no question others find it simple to portray him as the kind of old-school coach Scotland can well do without. The depiction is entirely unfair, but it lingers.

Clarke finds himself in a dilemma as he prepares for the Republic of Ireland’s visit to Hampden Park on Saturday. Whether Scotland draw or win is irrelevant in respect of winning group B1 of the Nations League; a point would still be needed from the meeting with Ukraine on Tuesday in Krakow. The Nations League has proven Uefa’s gift to Scotland. It elevated them towards Euro 2020. Topping this section would, among other things, place Scotland in pot two for the Euro 2024 draw.

The atmosphere during the first half of the 3-0 win over Ukraine on Wednesday inferred members of the Tartan Army do not recognise it but the Nations League is hugely significant in respect of this team’s tournament aspirations.

That Clarke will not assume defeat can be avoided against Ireland has foundation in June, when Stephen Kenny’s men romped to a 3-0 win against the hapless Scots. Clarke was at a loss to explain Scotland’s display. The manager bore the brunt of a disproportionate backlash.

The quandary relates to the extent to which Clarke can stand by what served him so well in match one of two against Ukraine.