Tierney return gives Clarke 'a lot to think about'

Nations League play-off, first leg: Greece v Scotland

Venue: Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus Date: Thursday, 20 March Time: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC One Scotland & iPlayer; listen on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds; live text coverage & in-play clips on the BBC Sport website & app

The return of Kieran Tierney has given Scotland head coach Steve Clark "a lot to think about" going into the Nations League play-off with Greece.

The Arsenal defender picked up a hamstring injury during Euro 2024, missing all of the matches in Scotland's debut campaign in the top tier of the competition.

The 27-year-old has been used sparingly by the London club, starting just twice in 11 appearances since late December.

He has been an integral player for Clarke, mostly deployed on the left of a back three.

But Scotland have had success using two central defenders in his absence, finishing third in their group to avoid automatic demotion.

"As a coach, you want as many difficult choices as possible," Clarke said ahead of Thursday's first leg in Athens. "I've got a few of them.

"It gives us another option. We've discussed it. Hopefully, we can come up with the right solution for the game."

Scotland finished their League A section strongly, beating Croatia and Poland after a home draw with Portugal.

"The team has been good with a back four," Clarke said. "Obviously, we changed the whole way we approached the game in the Nations League.

"The group stages, we went four. It worked. It worked well because we also had the little outlet on the right-hand side with the pace of Ben Doak and we didn't have the option of putting Kieran into the team.

"So, yeah, it's given me a lot to think about."

Winger Doak and striker Lyndon Dykes are sidelined for the trip to Greece, while in-form midfielder Ryan Christie is suspended.

Teenagers James Wilson and Lennon Miller have been called up for the first time but are unlikely to be pitched in at the Karaiskakis Stadium.

"It's nice to have fresh faces and a glimpse of the future, but the boys have done ever so well," Clarke said. "Lots of experience, lots of caps, and maybe the situation and the atmosphere needs an experienced team on the pitch.

"You want the strongest atmosphere you get can when you're a player. You've got to enjoy this type of occasion.

"We're used to it and recently we've had some good performances away from home. "Hopefully we can get another one here."

While acknowledging the strength of Greece, who surprised England at Wembley in October, Clarke is determined to remain a League A side following Sunday's return leg at Hampden.

"It's important because of the work we have put into the group stage," he added. "We spent a long time trying to get into the top section of the Nations League.

"We managed to get into a position that puts us in the play-off and obviously we want to stay there."