Kris Doolan backs Shankland, praises Clarke's squad protection

Kris Doolan, former Partick Thistle manager, said Scotland head coach Steve Clarke is prioritising the protection of his squad after the planned training‑ground friendly with Norway was cancelled. Doolan added that the decision reflects Clarke’s duty to safeguard the players ahead of the World Cup opener. Norway manager Stale Solbakken described Clarke’s cancellation as unprofessional. Doolan compared the situation to club‑level behind‑closed‑doors matches, noting that plans often change within a squad. Doolan argued that Lawrence Shankland should start Scotland’s World Cup match against Haiti after scoring three goals in his last two internationals. Rangers' newest signing Shankland opened the scoring in a 4‑0 win over Bolivia. Lyndon Dykes set up one of his goals in a 4‑1 victory over Curacao, and Che Adams added a brace in the Bolivia game. According to Doolan, Scotland’s striker options are limited to two in‑form forwards rather than four, and he believes Shankland and Che Adams are the pair to begin. He also noted that George Hirst is part of the World Cup squad but does not expect him to start.