STEVE Clarke has appealed to Scotland’s supporters not to expect too much from Ben Doak at the Euro 2024 finals – but admitted the teenage Liverpool forward could play for him in Germany if he impresses in training.
Clarke named uncapped Doak, who has recently returned to training with the Anfield club after a five month spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, in his provisional 28 man squad for the tournament yesterday.
The national team manager believes the 18-year-old, who made six appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the first half of the 2023/24 campaign, can be a potent attacking weapon for his country at the Euros and beyond.
However, he stressed the former Celtic kid is far from the finished article and expressed hope that Tartan Army footsoldiers who are excited about the involvement of one of the hottest prospects in the English game do not put undue pressure on him.
“Ben is fit and back training with his club,” he said at Hampden yesterday ahead of the Euro 2024 warm-up matches against Gibraltar and Finland. “He did a little bit with the team last week. We will speak to his club and keep in touch with them.
“The first game (against Germany in Munich on June 14) might come a little bit too soon. But maybe in the second game he can get some minutes on the pitch if I choose to do that.
“But he has still got a lot to learn, as do all the young boys when you bring them in. Everyone has got to learn. Ben hopefully will be big player for us in the future and maybe this summer he can make a little contribution as well.
“Billy (Gilmour) was ready to play at Euro 2020 and obviously didn’t let himself down then and has never let us down. There is always a chance, always a chance to show what you can do. Any time you get picked for the national team you should try and grab that chance.”
But Clarke added: “I think it becomes a danger if you put too much pressure on a young boy who is still learning the game and making his way in the game.
“It is nice that he is involved in the squad, but let’s just keep a lid on things and hope that he develops and turns out to be the talent that we think and hope he can be.”
