Scotland v Denmark team news: Steve Clarke names side for decisive World Cup qualifier

Steve Clarke has named his starting line-up for Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Denmark at Hampden.

Centre-back Scott McKenna and striker Lyndon Dykes come in for John Souttar and Che Adams in the only changes for what is a huge night for the national team.

McKenna was to replace Grant Hanley when the initial line-up was announced but an injury for Souttar in the warm-up forced a late change.

A win will see Scotland at a men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998, while a draw or defeat would see Clarke and his players go into the play-offs for a second chance at reaching the tournament in North America.

Ahead of the final group game, Scotland are in second place in Group C, trailing the Danes by a point following Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Greece.

In his pre-match media conference Clarke said the players were “ready to go” after their return from Athens, though he didn’t rule out making changes to the team that started in the Karaiskakis Stadium.

For the decisive match at sold-out Hampden, Clarke has started with Craig Gordon in goal behind a back four of captain Andy Robertson, Scott McKenna, Grant Hanley and Aaron Hickey.

Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson and John McGinn are in midfield, with Ryan Christie and Ben Gannon Doak either side of striker Lyndon Dykes.