Scotland were drawn in the same section as World Cup opponents Republic of Ireland, Armenia and Ukraine in next year’s National League Group B.

Clarke said the toss “doesn’t add anything” to this unique Hampden game.

“The March game, everyone knows the scale of this game and its importance,” said the head coach.

“We have good opponents to look forward to in the Nations League, but all my thoughts in the weeks to come will be centered on the game against Ukraine and hopefully a follow-up against Wales or Austria. “

Oleksandr Petrakov’s Ukraine is currently ranked 25th in the world, 13 places ahead of Scotland, while Stephen Kenny’s Republic is 47th in the standings, while Joaquin Caparros’ Armenians are 92nd, although those positions may change after the World Cup play-offs.

Each team will play four group matches between June 2 and 14, followed by two final matches from September 22 to 27, 2022.

The winner of the Scottish group will be promoted to Group A of the top teams, with the bottom team relegated to Group C.

Clarke acknowledged his team facing “six tough games” but thought it was “a good draw” and thinks promotion to the next level is “a realistic target” as they have been “passed” by the Czech Republic the last time.

“When you’re in a draw with teams of the same level, you’re going to expect three tough opponents – that’s what we have,” he said.

“The games against the Republic of Ireland will always be good for the fans. Obviously we have Ukraine in the World Cup play-offs. I hope we find a way to beat them three times.

“Armenia are new, Scotland have never faced them before. It’s a relatively new nation and they’ve had some good results. So they’re a decent team.”

What do we know about Scotland’s opponents?

Ukraine

Ukraine, who were among the seeds in the Group B draw, will be formidable opposition in both Qatar’s qualifying and the Nations League ahead after going undefeated in their qualifying group for the World Cup, drawing a draw at home and away with defending champions and section winners, France. .

Former Ukrainian defender Petrakov certainly made them hard to beat, drawing six of their eight qualifiers, and Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko and West Ham United’s Andriy Yarmolenko add knowledge of the Premier League midfielder to a largely squad. incorporated at national level.

Ukraine have faced Scotland twice before, both in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, when both sides won their home games.

Republic of Ireland

The Republic, with former Dunfermline Athletic manager Kenny, have had a disappointing World Cup campaign, failing to win a home game.

They lost in Dublin to Luxembourg and drew with Azerbaijan, third in their group, although only two late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo denied them victory in Lisbon against Portugal.

A squad made up largely of Premier League mates also have faces familiar to the Scottish Premiership, including former Celtic center-half Shane Duffy, current emerging talent Liam Scales and St Mirren midfielder Jamie McGrath.

Scotland and the Republic have each won four of their 11 matches, with the Scots winning in Hampden and then drawing in Dublin in their last matches in qualifying for Euro 2016.

Armenia

While Armenia finished fourth in their group behind Germany, North Macedonia and Romania, they took four out of six points against an Icelandic team currently in the Nations League Premier Division and also beat the Romania.

Their squad is a combination of domestic players and those who have ventured into Europe’s less famous leagues, although their talisman, 32-year-old captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan, currently graces the Roma midfielder in Serie A.