STEVE Clarke has expressed hope the players he has drafted in to the Scotland squad for the Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal can re-energize the national team after their crushing Euro 2024 disappointment in Germany this summer.
Clarke has handed call-ups to Sturm Graz right-back Max Johnston, Vancouver Whitecaps playmaker Ryan Gauld and Liverpool winger Ben Doak for the Group A1 matches in Glasgow and Lisbon next month.
He was unable to select Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Ross McCrorie, Nathan Patterson and Kieran Tierney for the double header due to injuries. In addition, Stuart Armstrong, Liam Cooper and Ryan Jack were omitted because they are currently without clubs.
However, the Scotland manager, whose men take on Poland at Hampden a week tomorrow and Portugal in the Estadio da Luz on Sunday week, feels the involvement of the new boys will lift the whole Scotland set-up.
Read more:
- Pundit charged by SFA over Rangers vs St Johnstone 'lies' outburst
- Callum McGregor reveals reason Celtic have made such a strong start
- Clarke explains Gauld's Scotland inclusion & addresses Euros criticism
“With the challenges we've had in the summer, I thought that maybe I would freshen a little bit going into this campaign,” said Clarke. “We’ve really just tried to get some of the more senior lads looking over their shoulder at all these youngsters coming up behind them.
“That's what you have to do because in football there's always someone coming along to take your place. Eventually it will be someone sitting in this chair that's not me. I was keen just to have one or two different players try and give ourselves a deeper pool of talent.
“There are still lots of injuries to deal with which is an issue. Aaron and Kieran will not be available in the short term, both are longer term. But there's lots of opportunities for us.
“Obviously we have injury issues at right-back. Ross has joined Nathan and Aaron, who are missing as well. So Max has got a chance. He's been in before, but just briefly. So it’s a chance to see him up close and work with the player. You tend to learn a little bit more about players as they come in.”
“Ryan was in my thoughts before the tournament,” said Clarke. “He's obviously chosen a different path in his career. He left Scotland as a very young man, went out on a roundabout journey and ended up in Vancouver where he's been one of the best players, one of the most valuable players.
“He's a creative player, he's looked slightly different to the type of player that we've got. He can play high up the pitch, he can play a little bit deeper. I've heard a lot about Ryan, I've watched a lot of Ryan on video, so it'll be nice to see him up close and personal.
“He's in Texas this weekend, so let's see what state he's in when he gets here. Obviously with a game on a Thursday, with the time difference, we've got to make sure he's given the right time to recover and make sure his body catches up with where he is in the world.”
Read more:
- How Neil Lennon's 'joke' Champions League tactic booked last 16 spot
- Ryan Gauld called up for Scotland as experienced trio miss out
- Callum McGregor has 'no worries' Celtic board will sign new players
Doak was forced to pull out of the Scotland squad for the Euro 2024 finals after suffering an injury – but the Liverpool teenager is available for selection again now and Clarke is looking forward to working with the pacy and skilful winger.
“He's now fully fit, he's been involved in pre-season games, albeit he hasn't played much since then,” he said. “So it’s another chance to work with Ben and bring him into the camp.
“I think when you bring someone into the camp it's important that you show a lot better faith in them over a period of time and then you can assist them better. You have more time to work with them and hopefully they'll start to get minutes on the pitch and show what they can do for their country.”
Clarke cut John Souttar from his provisional squad for the Euro 2024 finals – but he has been unsurprised by how the Rangers centre half has responded to the disappointment this season.
“I know John as a character,” he said. “He is a strong personality who has come back from really significant injuries. It's great to see him playing regularly with the Rangers and playing as well as he's playing. He deserves his place in the squad.”
Asked about Callum McGregor’s decision to retire from international football, Clarke said: “Thanks to Callum for his input over the years, he's been a key player for us, we're disappointed to lose him, we're disappointed for us that he's retired. But I respect his decision.
“No one else is indicating retirement, no one else has spoken about it. It's not for me to phone them and ask them are they going to retire, they have to contact me. But everybody's determined to go and be more successful.
“I was a little bit surprised, a little bit. I probably felt he had a few more years in him. But I'm not Callum. It's Callum's decision to make that call and like I said before we respect that decision.”
