STEVE Clarke has expressed confidence he has the strength in depth he needs in the Scotland squad to negotiate two Qatar 2022 play-off games in the space of six days next year and clinch a place in the World Cup finals for the first time in 25 years.

The national team was drawn to face Euro 2020 quarter-finalists Ukraine in the semi-final at Hampden on Thursday, March 24, in Zurich on Friday evening.

If they manage to triumph they will then face Wales or Austria – who will play each other in the other Path A semi - in either Cardiff or Vienna in the final on March 29.

Clarke is hopeful that FIFA will agree to scrap accumulated bookings from the group stages in the coming weeks – meaning that no fewer than eight of his players will be able to play Ukraine without the threat of a suspension having over them.

Che Adams, Jack Hendry, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Kevin Nisbet, Stephen O’Donnell and Andy Robertson are currently just one booking away from a suspension.

But their manager was buoyed by how well his side dealt with injuries and suspensions during their final Group F matches and went on a five game winning run to secure second spot in the section and progress to the second round.

Lyndon Dykes, Ryan Fraser, Grant Hanley and Scott McTominay were all ruled out of the final double header against Moldova and Denmark earlier this month while Jack Hendry and Nathan Patterson both missed the second of those matches.

"We've got a decent recovery between the games,” said Clarke. “The first game is on the Thursday and then we have the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to recover. There's good recovery time between the games, which should help.

“If we do need to rotate, then players have shown that they can come into the squad and play at a very good level for us. The depth within the squad just now is good and hopefully that will continue, but the most important thing for the next four months is that everyone plays well for their clubs and stays injury-free.”

Clarke was able to take Scotland to the La Finca complex in Alicante in Spain for a warm weather training break before their matches against Moldova and Denmark and his charges were fresh and focused in both outings.

The former Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool assistant knows that will be impossible ahead of the Ukraine game and is not anticipating the SPFL being able to move any fixtures so that the home-based contingent in his squad have longer to prepare.

The cinch Premiership will shut down for three weeks next month giving the likes of James Forrest, Craig Gordon, Callum McGregor, Kevin Nisbet, Stephen O’Donnell and Anthony Ralston a rest. 

But Clarke feels the winter break will have little bearing on the play-offs and admitted he will be praying that his key men avoid injury and illness in the coming four months. 

"It's very difficult to get the players away without the official international windows,” he said. “I don't think it's realistic. I might try and get round a few of them, but I won't get round them all for a quick chat in terms of preparation for March no, not really. I don't think there's anything we can do.

"I’m not sure it (the winter break) is long enough to have any great impact on a game in March. They will have played plenty of football, so I’m not sure that's going to relevant. The most important thing for me is they hold their form at their club and stay injury and illness free for the next four months, that would be my only wish for them.”

Ukraine will, like Scotland, not take part in any matches between now and March, but Clarke knows his men will face formidable rivals who went undefeated in Group D and intends to spend the coming weeks identifying their strengths and potential weaknesses. 

"It's very difficult going out and about now, but, in terms of scouting, there's loads of video footage available, tactical and television footage,” he said. “We won’t struggle for material to analyse on all the opponents.

“We know Ukraine will be looking at us from our qualifying games and we will look at Ukraine from theirs, so I don't think there will be any secrets from either side.

"They are a good team, technically efficient and very well-organised. Everyone will look at it and think Ukraine are not one of the biggest names in the draw, but, trust me, they are a good team so it will be a really tough game for us at Hampden.
"They did fantastic in the Euros. Their recent form is good. We will do what we always do, we always treat every opponent with 100 per cent respect, approach the game with humility and try and do our best.

“We have to prepare for Ukraine over the winter and for Wales and Austria because hopefully we get through the first game and have one of those to play in the second game. Lots of work to do, it will keep me reasonably busy over the winter and get ready for hopefully two tough games.”