STEVE Clarke has confessed the number of Scottish goalkeepers who are playing at a high level for their clubs is a growing concern for him and stated that he would like to see Robby McCrorie of Rangers get more games.
Clarke called McCrorie into his squad for the Nations League matches against Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland on Monday after his injured Ibrox club mate Jon McLaughlin was forced to withdraw.
The national team manager believes the 24-year-old has the potential to represent his country at full international level in future.
However, he is keen for the former Scotland Under-21 player, who has spent spells on loan at Berwick Rangers, Morton, Queen of the South and Livingston in recent seasons, to see more competitive action.
“It would help Robby if he was playing more regular football,” he said. “More regular doesn’t mean to say playing every week. Obviously, Robby is 24 now.
“I am not sure what his contract situation is now to be honest. I would imagine that he is thinking at 24 that he needs to play matches. But I am not going to tell Rangers how to conduct their business, I am not going to tell any club how to conduct their business unless I am at that club.”
Clarke, who also has Craig Gordon of Hearts and Liam Kelly of Motherwell at his disposal for the forthcoming Group B1 fixtures, admitted he would like to see more Scottish goalkeepers in general playing at club level.
“You have got Liam who is playing week in, week out in the Scottish Premiership,” he said. “You had Zander (Clark) who was playing week in, week out. Zander has chosen to go to Hearts and he is obviously going to sit on the bench behind Craig. For now anyway.
“It is an area that would give you some concern moving forward. It is something that we are aware of and we are looking at. You are not always going to get three diamonds like (Allan) McGregor, (David) Marshall and (Craig) Gordon at the same time. Hopefully we can find someone.
“We are looking around trying to find somebody with a granny that is Scottish that doesn’t really know they are Scottish. You are always looking. We are mindful of the fact that it is an area that could be of concern going forward.
“Listen, let’s not pre-judge. Liam (Kelly) hasn’t had any games for Scotland. Zander (Clark) hasn’t had any games. Young Robby hasn’t had any games. But let’s not pre-judge the situation. It is something of which you have to be mindful.”
