A GENERATION GAME SPECIAL

Clarke looking to future with inclusion of Miller and Wilson

- By Fraser Wilson

ONE glance at the date of birth column as the squad list dropped at Hampden yesterday summed it up better than any words.

At the top, Craig Gordon, born 31-12-1982.

Down the opposite end the last name. James Wilson, born 06-03-2007.

A 25-year disparity between the man who will become Scotland's third-most capped player of all time if he plays both legs of the upcoming Nations League play-off against Greece and his Hearts team-mate who next month will sit his Highers exams.

A changing of the guard moment for the national team? It was certainly a nod to the future perhaps more than any time in Steve Clarke's near-six year spell as boss of the national team.

His latest selection had a bit of everything. His tried and trusted veterans Gordon, Grant Hanley and Andy Robertson.

His go-to midfield generals Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Ryan Christie and Billy Gilmour.

And the welcome return of key men Kieran Tierney and Lewis Ferguson from injury.

But it was the two fresh faces added to the list for the first time who screamed off the page like a Tartan Army footsoldier blasting out Flower of Scotland.

The inclusion of Wilson and Motherwell's teen sensation Lennon Miller was certainly a surprise from a man who has faced accusations of being too loyal to the old brigade.

But just as he did with Ben Doak at the start of this Nations League campaign, Clarke knows now is the time to start laying the foundations for the future.