Scotland include two uncapped players in their training squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.
After the drama surrounding Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Tuesday, including Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson’s omissions, it is the turn of Steve Clarke, who has confirmed 28 names in a provisional list ahead of Uefa’s deadline on 7 June.
There was a place for two debutants in the team, Liverpool’s Ben Doak and Bristol City’s Ross McCrorie, while James Forrest and Ryan Jack have earned recalls.
Following Scotland’s impressive qualification, finishing second in their group, Clarke will now make his selection for the tournament, with an increased limit set by Uefa allowing for greater options.
But injuries, with Lewis Ferguson, Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson all set to be ruled out, will make for several interesting selections, including Clarke’s picks at goalkeeper and in defence and midfield.
Follow the latest updates ahead of the announcement and all the reaction as the Tartan Army counts down to the big opening fixture against hosts Germany in Munich on 14 June:
Scotland name two uncapped players in Euro 2024 provisional squad – as three injury blows confirmed
Scotland have included uncapped Liverpool forward Ben Doak and Bristol City right back Ross McCrorie in their provisional 28-player for Euro 2024 named by Steve Clarke on Tuesday.
There were recalls for Celtic winger James Forrest and Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack, but Bologna star Lewis Ferguson and right backs Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson all miss out due to injury.
Scotland will play in their second men’s major tournament in three years at the Euros after an impressive qualifying campaign under Clarke, but right back has emerged as a major problem following injuries to Brentford’s Hickey and Everton’s Patterson.
Steve Clark press conference
That’s all from the Steve Clark press conference, but there will be some reaction to follow.
Steven Clark press conference
When asked about Tino Livramento, who is eligible to play for England, Scotland and Portugal, Clark said: “At the moment, he’s chosen to play for England.”
Steve Clark press conference
When asked if Scotland can get out of the group, Clark said: “You know me, I get overexcited don’t I?
“I can be really pleased to put out those names. It makes the tournament feel more real since March. It’s been a bit of a drag. A lot of bad news and not so much good news. The two defeats in march are in the back of my mind. I want the boys back together again.
“It’s much more experienced. The group I took to Euro 2020 was a bit inexperienced, especially in terms of tournament football. More caps, a better understanding of what to expect. More experienced and good enough to create a bit of history for Scottish football.
“They are capable. It’s a good group of players. We can be competitive in all the matches. If we play to our ability, we could be the first team to get out the group stages.”
Steve Clark press conference
On Ross McCrorie: “I lost my two first-choice right backs/right wing-backs Aaron and Nathan.
“So looking down Ross had a really difficult time when he first went to Bristol City when he had a serious problem.
“He got back in the team in the second half of the season, acquitted himself well and got some minutes under his belt.
“He’s another one who has been in squads before but doesn’t have a cap. So it’s a chance to have a look at Ross as well and see how he’s doing.”
Steve Clark press conference
On injuries: “There’s probably five or six players that we’ve got doubts about. But there’s going to be two very difficult conversations. The good thing about it is it won’t be a telephone call it will be face to face.”
Steve Clark press conference
On the difficult decision process, he said: “It didn’t really go down to the wire, obviously with injuries…then suddenly you’re losing four players from the front of your mind, going from 23 to 26 probably made it more difficult to be honest because you’re thinking how to balance the squad.
Steve Clark press conference
On Ryan Jack: “Ryan’s been quite an important part of the squad and the team during my team as head coach. I know he missed the last Euros with injury. He hasn’t had the best end of the season with Rangers.
“He’s a midfielder but he’s a different type of midfield player to the other ones that I’ve got so that was the thinking with Ryan.”
Steve Clark press conference
On Ben Doak: “Ben’s got a lot of talent, he catches your eye, I think the pace will be something we haven’t got in abundance in the squad. He’s a young man, I’ve never had the chance to work with Ben. We’ll have a look at him and see how he does.”
Steve Clark press conference
Steve Clark is here and starts with: “I’ve probably got half a dozen players who are coming back from injury, so that was the thinking behind the 28.”
“There will be 26 at the tournament and two will miss out, I just wanted to give myself a little bit of breathing space to have a look at some players.”
Source: independent.co.uk
