How Motherwell pair Declan Gallagher and Stephen O'Donnell can help Scotland make history

Motherwell defenders Declan Gallagher and Stephen O’Donnell have been picked in the Scotland squad for a potentially history-making week with the national team.
By Craig Goldthorp
Published 3rd Nov 2020, 16:26 BST
Updated 3rd Nov 2020, 16:30 BST
Declan Gallagher was installed as Motherwell's captain for the 2020-21 campaign (Pic by Getty Images)Declan Gallagher was installed as Motherwell's captain for the 2020-21 campaign (Pic by Getty Images)
Declan Gallagher was installed as Motherwell's captain for the 2020-21 campaign (Pic by Getty Images)

The trip to face Serbia on Thursday, November 12, in the UEFA Euro 2020 play-off final will give Scotland the opportunity to reach a major competition for the first time since way back in 1998.

On that occasion 22 long years ago, it was Craig Brown, later to manage Motherwell between 2009 and 2010, in charge of the team competing at the World Cup finals in France.

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Over two decades later, it is current gaffer Steve Clarke’s chance to get us into a major tournament for the first time since.

Stephen O'Donnell joined Motherwell after leaving Kilmarnock last summer (Pic by Ian McFadyen)Stephen O'Donnell joined Motherwell after leaving Kilmarnock last summer (Pic by Ian McFadyen)
Stephen O'Donnell joined Motherwell after leaving Kilmarnock last summer (Pic by Ian McFadyen)

Our one-off game against Serbia was earned last month through a penalty shootout victory over Israel at Hampden, a tie Gallagher and O’Donnell both featured in.

After that, Scotland have two away UEFA Nations League group games against Slovakia on November 15 and Israel on November 18.

Meanwhile, young Motherwell midfield pair Allan Campbell and Barry Maguire have been selected in the Scotland under-21 squad for their qualification double-header with Croatia and Greece.

Related topics:Declan GallagherScotlandSteve ClarkeAllan CampbellCraig BrownFranceUEFA Nations League

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