With a smile, Steve Clarke celebrated after his side's match against Bolivia.

For once everything went as planned with no injuries, a strong display and a positive outcome, the Scotland head coach told BBC Scotland.

Alongside that came a selection challenge.

After Scotland wrapped up their warm-up preparations with an impressive victory and encouraging showing that keeps spirits high, the team also ensured Clarke faces several difficult choices.

In the opening period the players excelled as a unit. The defense stayed solid and authoritative while the creative midfielders covered plenty of ground. The forwards delivered three goals between them, which is encouraging.

Clarke conceded after the fine result in the humid New Jersey conditions that he has choices ahead.

The starting eleven draws plenty of focus, yet this event is really about the group that finishes matches.

BBC Sport Scotland examines those key areas and considers Clarke's main selections.

Gordon or Gunn Between the Posts?

Squad numbers rarely offer clues, yet the situation differs for goalkeepers.

Angus Gunn was named as Scotland's primary option when the roster was set earlier in the week, but will that lead to him starting against Haiti?

He faced limited action against Bolivia apart from one notable stop. Still, such quiet afternoons are welcome.

The main observation was that he alone completed the full ninety minutes. The previous weekend Craig Gordon appeared to receive another send-off at Hampden before Liam Kelly replaced him late on against Curacao.

During his time on the pitch Gordon had few saves to make aside from retrieving the ball from the net, though little could be done about those concessions.

Both keepers share limited club minutes this campaign, a point that has been noted often.

Still, many expect Gordon, the oldest participant at the World Cup aged forty-three, to feature at a major tournament this summer after missing Euro 2024 due to a shoulder issue.

Backline Shows Its Strength Against Bolivia

Clarke expressed satisfaction with the defensive effort, noting how the unit stayed compact and prevented Bolivia from creating clear chances.

Although he may have been among the few to highlight the backline's work, the performance drew attention.

Full-backs Aaron Hickey and Andy Robertson look certain to start, yet debate continues over the central pairing.

Clarke often shows faith in Grant Hanley, and once more the thirty-four-year-old performed reliably. The level of opposition must be considered, yet Scotland have previously allowed weaker sides opportunities.

Alongside Hanley was Jack Hendry, who impressed. The Al Ettifaq player, used to warm conditions after three years in Saudi Arabia, organized the defense and kept Bolivia at bay.

John Souttar and Scott McKenna began against Curacao, with the latter involved in one goal conceded.

Hanley seems set to feature in Boston, but his partner remains uncertain, with Hendry appearing favored.

This leaves Kieran Tierney's role undiscussed, a shift from earlier focus on pairing him with Robertson.

Midfield Selection Poses Questions

The strong first-half display came without John McGinn.

A standard 4-4-2 formation suited Scott McTominay, whose place was never in doubt.

Lewis Ferguson again demonstrated his composure and control in central areas, showing maturity and quality.

The opening period was shaped largely by the wing play of Bournemouth duo Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie.

Gannon-Doak had excited fans even before joining the squad and impressed with his energy and skill on the day.

While his final ball has sometimes been questioned, that was not an issue here.

Clarke noted that Gannon-Doak had done himself credit and showed what he can offer.

Clarke is also aware of Christie's versatility and liveliness, particularly when cutting inside.

Calls for Findlay Curtis were heard after his goal last weekend, yet Christie makes a strong case for inclusion.

This area presents Clarke with his toughest puzzle, though it is a welcome one.

Shankland and Adams Build Their Case

The question of whether Lawrence Shankland starts against Haiti remains familiar.

The forward, recently signed by Rangers, added to his earlier goals with the opener in a fine first half against Bolivia.

He missed one chance late in the game but his overall contribution and strong club form suggest he could start.

Shankland stayed modest afterward and avoided claiming a starting spot, saying he could be content with his efforts across the two matches.

His partner Che Adams also made a case with two goals and good link-up play despite limited time together.

Both praised each other after the match, echoing Clarke's view that the strikers worked well as a pair.

Lyndon Dykes featured briefly alongside Shankland against Curacao, leading some to back that combination, yet the debate continues.

Clarke has several matters to consider at the team's base in Charlotte, yet this is a strong position for the squad.