A recent report has claimed that Steve Clarke is looking at Oxford United star Chris Cadden as a potential fix for his Scotland right-back problem (The Scottish Sun).
The 22-year-old made the switch to Oxford via Columbus Crew from Motherwell during the summer. He has featured at right-back for United, who currently sit 17th in League One.
Cadden moved to Oxford this summer and Clarke may want him as a Scotland option. (Photo by Iam Burn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Clarke surely has better options to pick from than Cadden.
Cadden is a good player for Oxford, but is a big gamble at international level
Cadden is a good young player, but his natural position isn’t even right-back. He was put out there when Motherwell deployed a 3-5-2 and has remained a full-back ever since.
Whilst he isn’t bad in the position, he certainly isn’t great. His defensive game needs some work and pace is a bit of an issue.
A few attributes limit his ability. (Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Where Cadden played his best football at Motherwell was in central midfield. He could use his powerful runs to knock down defenders and drift out to the right, where he could whip in a decent cross.
It allowed him to work defensively whilst also make runs forward. At right-back he bombs forward constantly, but then struggles to get back into position.
Stephen O’Donnell has been criticised at right-back. He looks great for Kilmarnock week in, week out, but with Scotland it seems as if he struggles with the jump in quality.
Heavily criticised. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Cadden’s got a similar problem. Playing in League One down south does not equip him for international football against the likes of Belgium and Russia.
Oxford wouldn’t be too happy with him going away either as they play through the breaks, meaning he would miss some domestic matches.
Clarke knows Cadden is a good player, but he shouldn’t gamble with him in what will be a big few months for Scotland.