Steve Clarke has worked with some of the best names in football – but the Scotland boss has named Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay as number one in navy blue.
The battler has been vital for Manchester United in the centre of the park this season, scoring seven times so far. For Scotland, he has played a much different role on the right-hand side of defence in Clarke’s 3-5-2 system.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Scott McTominay of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 28, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
After initial teething problems, McTominay has blossomed into one of Scotland’s key men in that position. But whether he stays in defence is unknown, Clarke aware of his Manchester United form in the centre of the park.
His versatility has impressed Clarke, who says the midfielder is the best Scotland player he’s worked with so far: “I’d probably go with McTominay. I asked him to play out of position, in a position he was a little bit unfamiliar with, but I thought the way he played in the games was excellent.”
Scotland return to action at the end of this month at the start of World Cup qualifying for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Matches against Austria, Israel and Faroe Islands will take place before Clarke’s team and the nation can begin to think about Euro 2020 in the summer.
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