Forrest and Fraser will be fresh for the fight
There are still 23 days to go before Scotland line up against the Czech Republic for what will be their first game at a major Finals in as many years.
However, as he prepares to jet out with his squad to the Costa Blanca for a training camp, before setting up HQ in Middlesbrough for the Euros, Steve Clarke admits his starting line-up for the big day is already clear in his mind.
“I know it, more or less,” said the Scotland boss.
“I can’t say I’ve completely nailed down the XI, because that would be wrong.
“Boys are coming into the squad that will be going for hell for leather to show me they deserve to start.
“If I go on what I’ve seen before – yeah, I know who I’d want in the starting XI. But we’ve got a training camp this time.
“It’s not a case of just having two days. We have 10 days in Spain, and two friendly matches (against the Netherlands and Luxembourg), so a lot of players have an opportunity to change my mind.”
Experience will count, though, with Clarke admitting to relishing the prospect of James Forrest and Ryan Fraser, goal-scoring heroes in the early Nations League qualifiers, available to him again.
“James is fresh, ready to go and he has good experience at international level,” he said.
“He was good for me before his injury, and I’m sure he’ll be good for Scotland after his injury as well.
“When Ryan Fraser joins us after time out through injury, he will also be fresh.”
Others will take require careful management.
“Hopefully, we can use the Spanish training camp wisely for players who need a rest,” said Clarke.
“Scott McTominay will be training right up until the Europa League Final. Billy Gilmour will be the same with the Champions League Final, so they will join us a bit later than the rest.
“Unless they want to come early, that’s up to them! We will see who needs work and I’m sure we’ll get the balance right.
“Come the first game against the Czech Republic, I want us to be flying and ready to go.”