‘Scotland must show their hand in Helsinki’

You can’t fly to a cauld country on 1 December and not head straight for the Christmas markets, right?

A wee jaunt through the Helsinki version was the cold calm before the serious storm as Scotland take on Finland in a winner-takes-all match at the Bolt Arena tomorrow night.

It was all a bit safe and subdued at Easter Road in Friday night’s home leg, but there’s no more time to keep the cards close to the chest.

It’s now or never. Scotland must show their hand… mines are freezing.

Finland’s home record is rather superb. Italy came this year and left with nothing while the Netherlands and Norway could only nick a point.

The last team to win here? Scotland.

They had a right good time that day, they’ll need another of similar ilk if they’re to return to the top of the European football tree…