Scotland

Clarke focused on fine-tuning Scotland squad rather than ‘experimenting’ in friendlies

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Scotland manager Steve Clarke has welcomed a group of uncapped players into the national team setup ahead of friendly matches against Iceland and Liechtenstein – but he’s made it clear that experimentation is not on the agenda.

The Tartan Army boss has brought seven players into the fold who are hoping to make their senior debuts during this international window.

The list includes Hibernian forward Kieron Bowie, Sassuolo defender Josh Doig, midfielders Connor Barron (Rangers), Andy Irving (West Ham), and Motherwell’s Lennon Miller.

Despite the influx of youth, Clarke insists fans shouldn’t expect major changes to the structure or style of the team.

“I think you know me quite well by now, we don’t really experiment too much”, he said.

Scotland will host Iceland at Hampden Park on Friday before travelling to Vaduz to take on Liechtenstein on Monday.

The national team boss noted that integrating younger players into the setup is a necessary part of long-term planning, even if they aren’t immediately part of the starting XI.

“With any team, there has to be a cycle and a turnover of players eventually. You’re bringing these young players in to feel the level of the group, to understand where they need to get to, to be selected regularly. That’s important.

“The young ones are in a good place. There’s one or two of them coming into this camp better than the last time they came.”

Clarke also acknowledged the dedication of the senior squad members who, after demanding club campaigns, still made themselves available for these off-season matches.

Among them is Liverpool full-back and national team captain Andy Robertson.

Robertson praised the enthusiasm and mindset of the newcomers, viewing this as a vital step in their progression toward becoming leaders within the national side.

“Me, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, we’re not going to be around forever. Then it’s up to the young lads,” Robertson said.

“It will soon be their squad, they will then have to step up and set standards. So them understanding how difficult international football is, is crucial.

“I know from my experience, the younger that I experienced that, the better it was and then I just kind of grew into it. And maybe in 10 years time, I can be watching them at a World Cup.”



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