How Scotland plan to address Euro 2024 concerns as new appointment key to unlocking attacking potential

Assistant coach John Carver has vowed that the Scotland are working on ways to address the lack of creativity and attacking ambition that blighted their Euro 2024 campaign.

Scotland were accused of being too defensive-minded during the finals in Germany that saw them exit the tournament with the worst record of all 24 nations with their 17 shots the joint-lowest ever recorded in a group stage.

Both of Scotland's goals came via opposition players with Antonio Rudiger’s own goal providing a consolation strike against Germany and Fabian Schar deflecting Scott McTominay’s shot past his goalkeeper in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

In particular, the failure to lay a glove on Hungary in the must-win group decider proved a difficult pill for the Tartan Army to swallow, but Carver insists the Scotland coaching staff are looking at ways to improve their attacking output ahead of facing Poland at Hampden on Thursday and Portugal in Lisbon on Sunday in a Nations League A double-header.

And he revealed that Alan Irvine will have a crucial role to play following the appointment of the former West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston boss to the coaching staff following the departure of James Morrison.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke with newly appointed assistant coach Alan Irvine during a training session at The City Stadium, on September 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

"It's something we have to address for sure and we know that," Carver said. "You can talk about what system you play, do you play with more attacking players, do you come away from the five [at the back]? We will have to wait and see.

“But it is something we've discussed. We brought in Alan Irvine to assist with myself. He's going to look at the attacking side of how we play, which is good.

“Fresh face, fresh ideas, hopefully some fresh players. It's something we need. I remember when I first came in four years ago, I think we'd been playing with a four, we changed it and went with a five. We started winning games 1-0, 1-0.

“So we tightened it all up and then we moved on again just after the Ukraine defeat in the World Cup qualifier. We went with a four and we had some success with that which got us into the Euros and then we went back to a five.

“So it's finding a way with the players you have available as well, having your best players available, find a system that suits you to be more attack minded or offensive.”

The Scotland camp was hit by a spate of withdrawals on Tuesday that saw Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, Torino striker Che Adams and Celtic pair James Forrest and Greg Taylor all depart the squad.

As a result, Rangers midfielder Connor Barron and Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken were called up to the senior squad for the first time while Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig has been promoted from the Under-21s.

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron, pictured during the 3-0 defeat to Celtic on Sunday, has earned a first call-up into the Scotland senior squad. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Barron, who moved to Ibrox in the summer after leaving Aberdeen as a free agent, was considered for inclusion in the Euro 2024 squad and was reportedly in line to be in the initial squad named last week by Steve Clarke.

However, the 22-year-old has now been belatedly included and will have the chance to make his debut against Poland at Hampden on Thursday. Doig, also 22, has been in previous Scotland squads but is yet to win his first cap.

McCracken, 24, has been rewarded for his impressive form with Dundee over the past season by being chosen ahead of more experienced contenders like Liam Kelly – currently a sub at Rangers – and 41-year-old Hearts keeper Craig Gordon to replace the injured McCrorie.

The three new call-ups mean there are now potentially six players in line to make their debuts, with Ryan Gauld, Max Johnston and Ben Doak also uncapped.

Meanwhile, fears over a TV blackout of Scotland's upcoming fixtures are beginning to ease amid reports that ITV have opened discussions over a deal to show the Nations League qualifying campaign free-to-air.

Discussions between rights holders Viaplay and both Premier Sports and BBC Scotland failed to reach a compromoise but ITV have now reportedly entered the fray with a late plan to broadcast Scotland's games against Poland, Portugal and Croatia live on ITV4 or ITVX.