As much as the nation might bemoan the absence of a world-class striker, there can be no complaints over the quality of midfield options available down through the years.
In an international career that amassed 40 Scotland caps and saw him play in all three of Scotland's games at Italia '90, Motherwell gaffer Stuart McCall became the dominant ball winner for Craig Brown's Scotland side of the Nineties in a midfield that also contained the likes of John Collins and Gary McAllister.
The next crop of midfield talent included the likes of Paul Lambert as well as Craig Burley, then it was Barry Ferguson and Darren Fletcher who were next generation to showcase their talents.
But with current Scotland boss Craig Levein almost certain to go with his favoured 4-5-1 formation for the World Cup Group A opener against Serbia on Saturday, the vital role performed by the sitting midfielder is one that could cause the Scots concern.
With Fletcher still on the road to recovery following health concerns and Celtic skipper Scott Brown injured, Levein was forced to use Wigan skipper Gary Caldwell to great success in the role in the friendly victory over Australia last month.
Given that would risk weakening the centre of the defence, McCall reckons the dilemma at the heart of his formation is the one that may be causing the Scotland boss sleepless nights ahead of Saturday.
The Scotland great said: "For me if Craig does go with a 4-5-1 formation, which is his favoured deployment, then the area I would be wondering about would be the sitting midfielder's role.
"In terms of ball players and guys with a bit of creativity we are well provided for.
"You look at the likes of Charlie Adam, James Morrison, Shaun Maloney, Steven Naismith and Graham Dorrans and we have a great deal of strength in attacking talent from the midfield, but in terms of the defensive role that is not the case.
"The loss of both Darren Fletcher and Scott Brown were big blows to us. I know that Gary Caldwell played the sitting role with some success in the win against Australia last month and I have no doubt he could do it again."
THE Fir Park boss added: "He has always had an excellent range of passing and of course defensively he brings a lot to the role as well as a lot of composure. But the issue is can Scotland afford to do without him at the centre of defence for such an important game?
"Obviously with Charlie Mulgrew nursing an Achilles injury playing Gary further forward would possibly be a risk, although Christophe Berra's availability is a plus.
"Certainly if Charlie comes through and is fit for Saturday then I think he could do a real job as the sitting midfielder given the quality of his left foot and his defensive capabilities and that would allow Gary to play at centre-back.
"Another option would be Charlie Adam as the sitter. Again he has a fantastic range of passing and a bit of dig. We may not get as much out of him, in a creative sense, if he is playing in front of the backline.
"Charlie has the ability to be a major influence at Hampden on Saturday and I'd like to see him further forward and shaping play. So right now there are a number of pieces of the jigsaw that have to fall into place for Craig and that will be a frustration but it has always been the same in international football."
But McCall has no doubts about the importance of having Scotland No.1 Allan McGregor at full fitness for the two-game opening double header at Hampden with the Serbs on Saturday and then Macedonia next Tuesday.
The former Scotland star said: "It is great news that Allan is fully fit because his experience in playing big international matches is vital.
"I was lucky to play with some great Scotland keepers like Jim Leighton and Andy Goram and when you embark on qualification having your best keeper available is vital.
"We have seen time and time again with Allan that in the really big games he brings his best out. I have no doubt that over the course of these two games he will be required to make some crucial stops at key moments."
But the one-time Scotland ball winner has no doubt about the importance of opening with a win against the Serbs.
McCall said: "It is vital that we make the most of home advantage.
"You look at the fright we gave Spain in the Euro qualifiers and you have to say that this Scotland team are good enough at home to give any side a game."
