Who would be the Scotland manager?
Some positive momentum seemed to be building for Steve Clarke after the win over Moldova but the latest round of squad withdrawals have dealt a hammer blow.
Going into the crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria, Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson has followed first-choice Stephen O'Donnell out of the squad.
Hibs defender Paul McGinn has been called up for the showdown in Vienna, with the side already ravaged by injury and Covid-related issues.
Despite the surprise call-up, Clarke admitted that Covid restrictions had limited the options to replaced Patterson, Ryan Fraser and Kenny McLean.
He stated: "It's very difficult to call players in because of all the Covid stipulations so we're grateful to Paul for making himself available.
But that decision has raised eyebrows from some of the Tartan Army and here Record Sport takes a look at other candidates.
Anthony Ralston
It's been a breakthrough season that few would have seen coming at the end of last campaign.
Ralston's Celtic career looked to be over at the end of the Premiership season having failed to make his mark on the Parkhead first-team, and failed to hold down a spot in the St Johnstone side during a loan spell.
However he was offered a one-year-deal to remain under Ange Postecoglou. The right-back has taken his chance and could be the quick fix for Clarke before the trip to Vienna.
Shaun Rooney
Rooney was a stand-out performer for St Johnstone, netting the winner in the League Cup and Scottish Cup Final.
There is no doubt that the Bellshill Cafu was a big-game player for Callum Davidson, so could he answer the call with his country in need?
McDiarmid Park boss Davidson, who racked up 19 Scotland caps, has already stated the 24-year-old could do a job at the National Stadium, but will Clarke agree?
Calvin Ramsay
The young Aberdeen defender has made a strong case for a start in Stephen Glass' side so far this term, but is he ready for the call from Steve Clarke?
He has European experience in the Europa Conference League qualifiers and has caught the eye in the Premiership so far.
Ramsay has been involved in the Scotland youth set-up in recent years, and most recently earned a call-up to Bill Stark's under-19 outfit.
Aaron Hickey
While Hickey plays as a left-back, his impressive start to the season for Bologna will no doubt have caught the eye of the Scotland camp.
Steve Clarke has recently shown no fear in switching up the full-back positions, playing skipper Andy Robertson at right-back in the defeat to Denmark.
Hickey is a right-footed player and could make the change of flanks if the call came calling for the former Hearts kid.
Liam Palmer
The Sheffield Wednesday right-back had been an ever-present in the Scotland set-up since making his debut back in 2012, before being handed his full competitive debut in the 3-0 defeat to Kazakhstan in a Euro 2020 qualifier.
With the breakthrough of Patterson, Palmer was omitted from the squad for Scotland's return to a major finals last summer.
After a tough campaign last term, ending in Championship relegation, Clarke may be weighing up making the call to the 29-year-old once again.
