Assistant coach Steven Naismith insists Scotland are in their best shape in years as they prepare for back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus.
Steve Clarke’s men opened their qualifying campaign last month with a hard-fought goalless draw in Denmark before sealing a convincing 2-0 win over Belarus in Hungary. Now, with Hampden set for a huge test against Greece on Thursday and Belarus visiting on Sunday, confidence is rising in the camp.
“The squad dynamic here at the moment, I don’t think we’ve been in a better place, in terms of players, the minutes they’re playing, and where they’re at,” said Naismith.
“An example is Aaron Hickey coming back from what’s been a torrid couple of years and looking like a different animal.
“You’ve got John McGinn, Andy Robertson, who are leading it, and they’ve had real success at club level.”
He added: “We’re in a great place. Scott McTominay is another example of someone last season kicking on and becoming a vital player for Napoli.”
Naismith concluded that the positive energy is translating into training and matchdays.
“So the squad dynamic is stronger, and I’m going back to the confidence aspect, that’s clear to see in every session, and even when they’re playing at their clubs.”
Scotland will now look to turn that momentum into crucial points as the qualification race heats up.
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