Scotland head coach Steve Clarke faces a major selection decision ahead of the World Cup opener against Haiti, with leaked team news suggesting John McGinn will replace Ryan Christie in the starting XI.
McGinn Set to Start
According to sources, McGinn will come into the side for the Group C clash in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with Christie dropping out. This would be the only change from the team that beat Bolivia 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly last week.
The Aston Villa captain, who won the Europa League this season, has been Scotland's talisman with 20 goals in 86 caps, making him the fourth-highest scorer in the nation's history. He is just two goals behind Hibs legend Lawrie Reilly.
Selection Dilemma
Clarke is desperate for a winning start against Haiti, with tougher matches against Morocco and five-time champions Brazil to follow in Group C. McGinn started on the bench against Bolivia in New Jersey, and 10 of the 11 players from that game are expected to retain their places.
Bournemouth's Christie, who has 68 caps since his debut nine years ago, is the player set to miss out. Record Sport's Keith Jackson, reporting from the USA, said: "We have heard… it's not confirmed, but we've heard a team from someone we can have a pretty decent amount of faith in. The information is probably correct but not verified. According to this source the team will be the exact same as started against Bolivia except one change. Unfortunately for Ryan Christie he drops out and John McGinn comes in on the left."
Scotland are aiming for their first World Cup win in 36 years, and Clarke's selection could be crucial in achieving that goal.
