Ally McCoist: Scotland’s only brave player has attribute not seen in a generation

Scotland might be famed for ‘Braveheart’ but national treasure Ally McCoist believes only Ben Gannon-Doak is playing with freedom at the World Cup.

Steve Clarke‘s men sit third in Group C after a win over Haiti and a loss to Morocco.

Gannon-Doak impressed against Haiti but was benched against Morocco as Clarke went for a cautious approachGetty

It leaves them knowing they need to get a positive result against Brazil in their final match to confirm passage to the Round of 32 of this World Cup.

It’s going to be a tough ask, despite the struggles Carlo Ancelotti‘s side had against Morocco in their opening 1-1 draw.

For the Scottish, it’s essential they show more endeavour in the final third.

However, according to McCoist only one player has shown that front-footed mentality so far.

When asked if Scotland have been brave enough at the tournament, McCoist said: “Probably not.

“I am not sure we have the players to be brave.

“To be really honest, we have got one player and he didn’t even start the last game. That is Gannon-Doak.”

And he believes the ex-Liverpool talent, now with Bournemouth, possesses an ability rarely seen in a Scottish footballer.

He continued: “He is the one player we have had in 15-20 years that has an ability, a pace, to go at a full-back.

“He is the first we have had in 15-20 years. So I am not sure.

“Our strength is in the middle of the park.”

One way to get more from the team could be to make one tactical adjustment Clarke already tried against Morocco.

McCoist added: “We definitely looked much better when we got Scott McTominay in a forward area.

“There’s no doubt about that. First period he wasn’t so much sitting back but he was playing in a line, maybe four or five, and he couldn’t get forward.

“Then later on, last 20 minutes, he definitely pushed up more in a No.10 role and he was much better.”

And McCoist believes new Rangers signing Lawrence Shankland should start after being dropped against Morocco.

McCoist wants Shankland to get another chance at the World CupGetty

He added: “I would start with Shankland.

“I don’t think he did himself justice at the opening game, I’m going to be honest with you. But I believe he’s the best finisher.”

And when it came for a brave prediction, Ally finished: “My heart says 1-1. My head says 1-0 to Brazil. And, by the way, it might be enough still.”