[0762]

IMO the Lithuania drawn match at Hampden was one of the huge failures in this campaign v a team that we should never have dropped any pts against. I must agree re the omission of McGregor from our midfield when Martin was hauled off - a high energy response was required but I've no doubt Strachan is applying an element of 'protection' to young players who don't have the requisite number of caps yet and therefore the appropriate experience, in his opinion, to tackle this type of 'crunch match' at this international level of footie. Now a German manager or poss even a current England manager would not be so cautious and place the onus on the player to 'grab the opportunity' and perform well BUT is that player probably gonna be of a higher standard or quality, in some cases even at a younger age, where there is no doubt the player will easily 'slot in' to any tactical plan alongside experienced players who will guide them anyway. Kieron Tierney is a prime example of that type of young player and there will always be a 'pecking order' based on the studied ability of these young players, some of whom require to be gradually groomed to full international participation with their confidence bolstered to play well at this level.