Ally McCoist watched on in disappointment as Scotland failed to hit the heights in yesterday’s disappointing 0-2 loss to Czech Republic at Hampden.
Speaking from the ITV studios in London, on pundit duty for Poland v Slovakia, the Rangers legend offered some reflections on the opener.
Super Ally was the last man to score in a European Championships for Scotland – with that strike against Switzerland at Villa Park in Euro ’96.
Ally McCoist vs Switzerland, 1996. #Greatest90sGoals pic.twitter.com/WPnK3xSsbu
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) September 4, 2020
Ever the optimist, McCoist warned that Scotland need to quickly put Monday’s defeat behind them and instead move forward with positivity into the mammoth clash against England on Friday.
He told ITV, “We absolutely can’t afford to be sulking – we’ve got to move forward.”
“It’s a very disappointing result but the little bit of quality between the two sides was shown in the goals.”
“We had chances to score and didn’t take them, the Czechs went and took them.”
Massive
The highly respected pundit and co-commentator went on to make his suggestions for up to four changes to Steve Clarke’s side for Wembley, including the return of injury stricken Kieran Tierney:
“Tierney being fit would be massive. That’ll help.”
“I would expect Steve to make a few changes – Tierney’s an obvious one, he’ll come in.”
“Maybe (Nathan) Patterson, maybe (Billy) Gilmour and he’ll maybe go with (Che)Adams.”
No changes would be damning on Clarke but he is known for his conservative approach and to some extent, a loyalty to players who have featured over his time in charge.
Scotland need to produce a surprise result against England and to rectify the failings of Monday.
Obviously, without a top-class striker their conversion rate will lesson, but McCoist will be keen to see his particulat Euro ’96 goal stat banished by cheering more Scotland strikes over the next few days.