Scotland's Scott McTominay has been confirmed fit to start against Haiti in the Group B opener at Boston's Fenway Park (02:00 BST). The Napoli midfielder, who missed training early in the week due to a stomach bug, returned to Friday training fully recovered. Manager Steve Clarke declared him 'perfect' and 'ready to go' for what the squad describes as a must-win first fixture.
Captain Andy Robertson joked that McTominay was simply seeking attention during his recovery, signaling squad confidence in the midfielder's condition. Clarke emphasized McTominay's importance: 'We are delighted with Scott's abilities and what he can bring to the team. But we are going to need another 15 to bring the same if we want to have a positive tournament.'
Clarke is weighing a possible tactical adjustment to a 4-4-2 formation—rarely used but effective in Scotland's 4-0 warm-up victory over Bolivia. John McGinn sat on the bench in that match, suggesting potential midfield rotation options. Clarke has described Scotland's opening match as 'the biggest game the nation has seen in almost three decades.'
McTominay's confirmed fitness strengthens Scotland's odds for the Haiti match; key player availability and recent form typically shift group qualification odds. A positive result would materially boost Scotland's advancement prospects from Group B.
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