There’s been clear signs of Scotland in decline for many months.
The insipid nature of Friday in Munich – the singular lack of aggression, nous and big-game mentality from their biggest names – was shocking, but Scotland have been on the slide since last September.
McGregor is convinced they can put the wheels back on the bike for Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday, but seeing is believing. And not a lot has been seen from Scotland in a worryingly long time.
He said he was still a bit raw about Friday. “The only people who can fix this is us, so we have to find a solution.”
After so many sub-standard recent performances, culminating in a game in Munich where they didn’t win a corner or record an attempt of their own on goal, the thought of finding solutions before Wednesday is an exercise rooted in blind hope.
Clarke has a goalkeeper in Angus Gunn whose confidence looks shot. A right-wing back in Anthony Ralston who looked haunted in Munich.
A first-choice centre-back in Ryan Porteous who stupidly got himself sent-off and will be banned.
A midfield full of names who were utterly out-played. And an attacking game that looks as blunt as can be.
He has a lot of things to solve and very little time in which to solve them. “Keep the faith,” he said on Friday, more in hope than expectation, you felt.
