Alex McLeish expectant of upturn in Scotland fortunes after sticky start

• Scotland have won just one match in previous five
• McLeish: ‘This is where it really begins’

It would be unfair – for now – to draw comparisons between this Scotland setup and Only Fools and Horses. Nonetheless, smiles were inevitable on Sunday as Alex McLeish delved into territory once reserved for Del Boy Trotter. “This time next year …” said the Scotland manager, with a laugh of his own.

The serious matter, and cause for McLeish’s point, relates to a fraught start to his second Scotland tenure. Five friendly matches have passed with just a single Scotland goal and winning total which sits at the same. Monday evening’s visit of Albania to Hampden Park for the start of Scotland’s Nations League campaign carries strong significance in respect of McLeish’s reputation.

Continue reading...