Steve Clarke insists there was “no real process” in recalling Ryan Fraser to the Scotland squad for the first time in 10 months. The national team boss was left furious after the 28-year-old was pictured training with Newcastle United after pulling out of last November’s World Cup qualifying double header against Moldova and Denmark.
Clarke left him out of the pool for friendlies against Poland and Australia but, in naming his squad for those games, said Fraser had apologised. Now the Magpies ace is back involved for the Nations League double header against Ukraine which sandwiches a Hampden clash against Republic of Ireland.
However, Clarke shrugged: “There was no real process with Ryan. I said in March when he missed the two friendly matches that we’d had a chat. He wasn’t playing for Newcastle at the time and I said at the time if he’s fit, available and playing for Newcastle at the time then he’s definitely one we have to consider for selection and that’s why he’s in the squad this time.”
Skipper Andy Robertson is out after picking up an injury with Liverpool but Kieran Tierney returns. Clarke said: “It’s always disappointing to lose key players. Andy is obviously a key player, captain, big character for us within the squad. But as you lose one top quality left back you get another one back with Kieran being available this time so I suppose that softens the blow but you want all your good players fit and available.
“The poorer side of international selection is that you know you’re going to lose players through injury and you’ve just got to deal with it. It gives myself and my staff lots of things to think about and hopefully come up with a way that we can show that we can play with one, both or either.”
There is no place for Barrie McKay who has had a fine start to the season with Hearts but Clarke said of those he has picked: “Some are in good form. Some maybe haven’t had the minutes they want to have.
“We’ve also got Ryan Jack and Kenny McLean back in the squad - two experienced players we missed over the summer so it swings in roundabouts. It probably helps a little bit it’s deeper into September because it’s normally at the very start of the season so a lot of the boys in good shape and a lot hoping to get more minutes before we meet up and I’m certainly hoping that as well.”
READ NEXT
