Football
Exclusive: Brian McClair Backs Steve Clarke to Lead Scotland Through Turbulent Times
Brian McClair stands by Steve Clarke as Scotland's manager, despite recent setbacks. McClair discusses injuries, young talents like Lennon Miller, and future leadership under Scot Gemmill.
Image Credits: Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images
Brian McClair is adamant Steve Clarke is the right man to lead Scotland despite a dismal run of form.
A horrid Euro 2024 campaign in Germany was hard to stomach for disgruntled Scottish supporters, and two disappointing Nations League defeats to Portugal and Poland has done little to encourage fans things will get better.
McClair Stands Firm Behind Clarke
But 30-cap former Scotland international and Celtic legend McClair believes Clarke deserves time to turn things around.
"I do think Steve Clarke is still the right man to lead the team," McClair told SportsBoom.com.
"There’s a good barometer of these games, and I think it was the fact that the Tartan Army stayed so late to applaud the team after the performance in Lisbon the other night said a lot.”
"Every defeat is painful, but I think in the context of the opposition and the top level of these groups that Scotland are in, it was always going to be difficult.”
"Rather than dwell on the results of those games (over the international break), I think it’s the performances that are more encouraging, after that terrible effort in the summer.”
So there’s encouragement there I think, a lot of encouragement
Brian McClair
Injuries Hamper Clarke’s Scotland, Says McClair
McClair believes Clarke has been unlucky with key injuries since taking charge in May 2019.
"They’ve also been hampered by a number of very good, difference-making players, being injured at the moment,” offered McClair, who made his international debut in 1986 and enjoyed eight years with the national side.
“And a number of other players that he would probably choose, but are out of contract, haven’t yet found clubs, or are maybe about to find a club."
McClair Urges Scotland to Secure Harvey Barnes
"And, from a Scotland point of view, I think that they should be doing everything they can to persuade Harvey Barnes that his international future lies north of the border. Not even that far north, as he’s playing his football for Newcastle now.”
"He’s one that I think would make a big difference, because of his pace and his attacking style.”
"And Ryan Gauld, when he was a younger they reckoned he was the type of player that would be very suited to international football. I think he’s a good player, he’s got good skills and pace.”
“Lennon Miller. He’s only 18, he’s performed particularly well for them (Motherwell), and he was outstanding for the under-21s the other night."
I think that Scot would do very well because he’s got all the attributes to be successful.
Brian McClair
McClair Urges Scotland to Secure Harvey Barnes
"And, from a Scotland point of view, I think that they should be doing everything they can to persuade Harvey Barnes that his international future lies north of the border. Not even that far north, as he’s playing his football for Newcastle now.”
"He’s one that I think would make a big difference, because of his pace and his attacking style.”
"And Ryan Gauld, when he was a younger they reckoned he was the type of player that would be very suited to international football. I think he’s a good player, he’s got good skills and pace.”
“Lennon Miller. He’s only 18, he’s performed particularly well for them (Motherwell), and he was outstanding for the under-21s the other night."
*Read Brian McClair's Premier League score predictions for each game week of the Premier League season on Gambling.com
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.