Levein says Gannon-Doak to start Brazil game on bench

Former Scotland manager Craig Levein believes 20‑year‑old Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon‑Doak will again begin the final World Cup Group C match versus Brazil on Wednesday as a substitute, after his impact off the bench against Morocco. Levein said the coach Steve Clarke prefers to keep Gannon‑Doak on the bench to exploit his influence when opponents tire.

After starting the opening Group C fixture against Haiti, Gannon‑Doak attracted calls to be in the starting eleven. He later entered the Morocco match as a substitute and helped create chances despite the defeat.

Levein explained that head coach Steve Clarke is reluctant to start the winger, a view he understands. "The thing about Gannon-Doak for me is, starting him, I don't think [head coach] Steve [Clarke] is of a mind to start him and I can understand that," Levein told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

Levein noted his concern before the Morocco game, describing the North African side as a better opponent than Brazil at the moment. He praised Scotland's defensive shape after conceding a goal around the 70th minute, calling the performance a significant improvement on the Haiti match.

He described the 1‑0 defeat to Morocco as a good result given the circumstances. Levein added that matching or improving that performance against Brazil could earn Scotland a point sufficient to progress.

He warned that attacking Brazil without restraint would be "football suicide". Levein therefore expects Gannon‑Doak to remain an impact substitute as Scotland seeks to stay in the tournament.