Scotland continued their winning ways on Wednesday night with Ryan Jack at the heart of the engine room with Robby McCrorie and Jon McLaughlin also joining him in the squad.
One player who could join them in the next international break is James Tavernier, English born and bred but he now qualifies to play for Scotland through residency having been at Rangers for more than five years now, with The Daily Record originally highlighting his eligibility a year ago.
Steve Clarke continues to insist on playing Stephen O’Donnell at right wing-back, however, he now has an option to him that would add genuine creativity and athleticism to his right-hand side whilst balancing up the threat of Andy Robertson on the other flank.
There has – since 2010 – been an agreement between the home nations of Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland that players who qualify through residency would not be selected but when other European nations are benefiting from this ruling, why shouldn’t Scotland?
Tavernier may not be at Rangers for the rest of his career and a move down south still wouldn’t see him force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans, there are just too many right sided defenders that are already ahead of him in the queue.
Should Scotland call-up Tavernier?
Yes
No
The 28-year old is also a physical marvel, only ever missing games through having his appendix removed earlier this year, you could count on him to be available for every game, his time in Glasgow and position as captain of the biggest club also gives him a greater claim than some who have been called up without ever setting foot in the country.
With Scotland on the verge of qualifying for a first major tournament since 1998, Steve Clarke must explore every avenue open to him, to ignore the possibility is a dereliction of duty, that the only reason Tavernier’s selection might be questioned is the reception of the Tartan Army is a pathetic indictment of a group of supporters that self proclaim themselves to be among the best in the world.