United Scots chase play-off chance

You might believe that politics and sport should not mix, but there is no denying the sometimes startlingly close parallels. Try this for an example.

A campaign intended to rally the true-blue faithful becomes a spluttering, stumbling spectacle and the long-term outlook is that of a messy split from European counterparts. There are calls for the leader to be handed a P45. Sound familiar? Yes, it was the shape of yet another disappointing Scotland qualifying campaign, seemingly derailed al- most before it had begun by consecutive 3-0 defeats away at the hands of Slovakia and England.

Yet, as the Scots set out for their final Group F fixture against Slovenia in Ljubljana tomorrow, a place in the World Cup play-offs is entirely in their own hands. With England already through to the finals, the runners-up spot could yet go to one of three countries.

Slovenia’s chances are marginal. Even if they beat Scotland, they would need Slovakia to draw with Malta or lose. Slovakia need to beat Malta and have Scotland draw or lose. The formula for Gordon Strachan’s players, though, is the sim- plest. A win will take them into the play-offs. The Tartan Army are now wholly behind the team and trust the leader’s judgment. Not quite like politics, then.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland’s players have been told to keep their cool against Norway or risk having their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals being damaged by suspensions.

Michael O’neill has six players – Steven Davis, Jonny and Corry Evans, Oliver Norwood, Josh Magennis and Stuart Dallas – who are all one booking away from missing the first leg of a potential World Cup play-off next month.