Scotland Under-21 coach Billy Stark has revealed he is using the friendly against Hungary at Tannadice as a dress rehearsal for his side’s crunch clash with the Dutch in May.
Stark’s team are currently sitting in fourth place in European qualifying Group 3, three points behind the Netherlands who occupy the play-off spot.
Hungary play in a similar formation to Holland and the Under-21 coach is hoping the match will prove to be a worthwhile exercise in preparing his squad for the big challenge in two months.
He said: “We’re looking towards the Dutch game in May and trying a few things out. It’s helpful Hungary play 4-3-3. There’s been talk of Hungarian football trying to get back to the way it was in the 50s where they had constant movement in the team, which is the modern style anyway.
“So I wouldn’t expect them to change 4-3-3. Their midfield and front three are pretty flexible and they have some good players so it will be a test for us.
“I’m sure the Dutch will play the same formation so it’s worked out well, allied to the fact we’ve got young ones there who have a chance to be blooded.
“One or two might force their way into the squad.”
Eyebrows have been raised in certain quarters over the composition of Stark’s squad for the friendly with questions asked as to why he has chosen some who are not playing first-team football while others, such as striker Tony Watt, have beenoverlooked.
However, the coach insisted there were valid reasons for each individual selection and admitted that you can never keep everyone happy.
He added: “I never set any criteria. I don’t think there’s value in that. Boys playing first-team football makes it easier to make the judgment about selecting them.
“But over the years, if you take the Old Firm for example, everyone appreciates it’s difficult to force their way in there.
“I’ve always had to make that judgment. Just because someone is playing first team does that make them a better player?
“You can’t pick 50. I never rule anybody out totally because I’ve seen boys who you think maybe aren’t quite there take a leap forward and you feel they are more capable.
“You get criticised for picking players and not picking players. There will always be clubs feeling their players should be in the squad but you accept that and it comes down to opinion.”