Keep it simple: if Naderi is unavailable, I want Chermiti and Bojan Miovski starting together. I think Miovski's game lifts with someone alongside him and, to be fair, he looks like a more natural finisher when he gets service and space. Against Scottish sides that sit in, that can be rarer, but a two-up approach gives us options and a clearer attacking shape.

Why two up could suit Miovski

Miovski often looks isolated when we're trying to force things on our own. When a striker is the only reference up front, he spends long spells chasing scraps rather than getting into good scoring positions. Pairing him with Chermiti would mean a second player to occupy defenders, drag centre-backs around and link play. That can open pockets of space for Miovski to do what he does best, which is finishing moves inside the box.

What Chermiti brings

Chermiti gives dimensions you don't always get from a lone number nine. He's able to hold the ball and bring others into play, which helps when teams are sitting deep. You don't need me to tell you Scottish defences can be compact; having two up top forces them to decide who to pick up and where to leave gaps. That slight uncertainty can be the difference between a half-chance and a real opening.

Risks and tweaks Rohl might consider

Truth is, two up needs the right balance. Midfield has to supply runners and width, and the press has to be coordinated so we don't get overrun through the middle. If Rohl goes that route, he'd have to tweak the team shape slightly to protect the wide areas and still control the midfield. But if we set it up cleverly, I think Miovski looks a better player with help rather than carrying the whole striking burden.

All in all, I'm with the idea of Chermiti and Miovski together if Naderi can't start. It feels like the best way to get the most out of our natural finisher and to give us a genuine attacking threat. What do other bears think?

Written by Sir Walter Smith OBE: 9 March 2026

Tags: opinion tactics