As footballing royalty descends upon Qatar ahead of the 22nd edition of the World Cup, Scotland are over 1,400 miles away ahead of a low-key and unnecessary friendly with Turkey in Diyarbakir.
The timing of the fixture is a demoralising reminder to the Tartan Army that Scotland will not be involved in the festivities in the Middle East - and the agonising wait for a first World Cup appearance this century continues.
After a condensed start to the season to accommodate a major tournament in winter, those not featuring in Qatar at least have the consolation of an extended break to rest and recuperate. The Scottish FA’s decision to accept a friendly match outside an official international window has led to inevitable issues, with Celtic opting against releasing players for a challenge match.
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Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston are instead with Celtic for the Sydney Super Cup in Australia, while Nathan Patterson and Kenny McLean also miss out. The lack of withdrawals is a credit to the environment Steve Clarke has created at international get-togethers, as a lengthier list of absentees was expected.
For the Turkish trip to be worthwhile, fringe players should be permitted an opportunity to shine. Craig Gordon, who turns 40 on the last day of the year, has played a prominent role in Scotland’s renaissance, yet it would be logical for his deputy to be afforded time between the posts. Liam Kelly still awaits a first international cap, yet as it stands, he is the most likely to succeed the Hearts’ stopper.
Scotland have limited depth in the goalkeeping department, but the right-back position, once a problem area, offers more promise. Patterson, Ralston and Aaron Hickey all miss out, but Calvin Ramsay should celebrate a first international call-up with a starting berth. The Aberdonian, fresh from his debut for Liverpool in the Champions League and impressing in the EFL Cup, is a smooth operator with enormous potential.
His former Aberdeen teammate, Lewis Ferguson, is beginning to make waves in Italy with Bologna. The son of Derek and the nephew of Barry has netted three goals in his last five Serie A appearances. Embracing a new challenge has enhanced his reputation, and his performances have earned him the backing of Thiago Motta at Rossoblù. The 23-year-old has had to bide his time in the international arena - midfield is Scotland’s strongest department - but he merits a rare start in Turkey.
Early indications suggest Billy Gilmour’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion might not transpire as he imagined. Graham Potter signed him on deadline day before departing for Chelsea six days later. It was an unfortunate turn of events for the young Scot, and he has been exposed to just 16 minutes of Premier League action this season. His career is stuttering, and he needs to capitalise on every opportunity in dark blue.
Ryan Porteous was the unexpected standout for Scotland against Ukraine in September, and the defender should remain in possession of a starting jersey. The fiery 23-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and despite indifferent form for Hibernian, he possesses the necessary attributes to advance his career.
Having Kieran Tierney back in the fold after injury is a boost for Clarke - he is arguably Scotland’s most important player. Ryan Jack made his latest return from injury at the weekend, and he will benefit from further match-time, assuming he comes through unscathed.
Clarke will be keen to maintain the momentum established during a fruitful Nations League campaign. A bruising end to last season has long been unremembered, and optimism has returned. The fixture in Turkey feels like an inconvenience, an inessential add-on, and it’s up to the players and manager to show why it’s a worthwhile exercise.
