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We’re all gripped by Celtic and Rangers’ multi-million pound summer transfer sagas in pre-season.
But it can be easy to forget that many Scottish football stars remain without a club as pre-season draws ever closer.
PFA Scotland’s list of available players is packed with experience – from the Scottish Premiership to League Two.
In fact, we reckon you could make a pretty decent team with Scotland’s only free agents. Here is Scotland’s best available five-a-side team.
Would you like to face them at the local rec center?
Goalkeeper – Ross Doohan
The former Celtic keeper has never left the Parkhead bench but is considered a solid shot-stopper.
Doohan racked up nearly 100 senior appearances over seven loan spells – including at Ross County and Tranmere Rovers.
At 24, the former Scotland Under-21 international would be a solid addition to many of Scotland’s Premiership and Championship sides.
In terms of five-a-side football, would you imagine your chances against a stopper used to training alongside Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard?
Defender – Brian McLean
The former Rangers youngster is now 37 – but most good five-a-side teams have an aging but talented defender, right?
McLean, a Northern Ireland international, was released by Greenock Morton this summer. He played for 10 other clubs including Hibs, Dundee United and Brunei’s DPMM FC.
His advanced age may mean that his full-time days are practically behind him.
But McLean could yet prove to be an experienced boss for one of Scotland’s part-time clubs.
Midfielder – Liam Grimshaw
A complete workaholic who loves the tackle – a desirable trait for both our five-man team and Scottish clubs.
The former Manchester United youngster made 97 appearances for Motherwell in a range of defensive and midfield positions.
Grimshaw has been linked with a reunion alongside former ‘Well’ mentor Stephen Robinson at St Mirren, but nothing has been made official.
The former England U18 international could be the versatile and hard-working cog a Scottish club are looking for.
Midfielder (drift in forward areas!) – Luca Connell
He’s the player with the flashy boots, the cool haircut and the flair that would have the opposition shaking in their boots.
The Irish midfielder was snapped up by Celtic in 2019 after breaking through at Bolton.
Connell spent most of his time at Parkhead on loan at Queen’s Park, where he was instrumental in winning Spiders’ League One and Two.
At 21 and with a solid pedigree behind him, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international could be a much-needed touch of class for a host of Scottish clubs.
On nights when Connell is otherwise engaged – former Partick Thistle and Crewe man Abdul Osman would be a competent assistant!
Midfielder – Paul Paton
Much like Grimshaw, there would be very few 50/50s lost with Paul Paton on the team.
Now 35, Paton is well known as a tough midfielder in Scottish football. Best known for his 147 appearances for Partick Thistle, he also toured for Dundee United, St Johnstone and Dunfermline.
The former Northern Ireland international was released by Dumbarton this summer as the club were relegated to League Two.
But there is still life in the old dog and he could be the steady head an ambitious Ligue 2/Lowland League side needs for next season.
For more attacking matchdays, former Dundee United player Ryan Dow could be brought in. Freed Motherwell winger Justin Amaluzor is also a good option for nights when the Champions League is underway and you’re fighting for numbers!
