Scotland boss Steve Clarke is remaining coy over his plans for the upcoming March internationals, including talking points over Ryan Gauld and Manchester United man Scott McTominay.
The national team get together for the first time this year in March as World Cup qualifying kicks off ahead of Euro 2020. There are numerous factors to consider, including the Manchester United midfielder’s position and Gauld’s inclusion.
The latter has captained SC Farense in the Portuguese top flight this season with great personal success, but Clarke won’t comment on uncapped individuals: “Rather than going down the route of any individual I have seen, I’ve said all along that the door to the squad is always open. It’ll come down to my judgement on what is good for the squad, what will improve it and what will not.
“The boys who have been in the squad have been fantastic. After the long wait, the majority of those boys deserve a shot at the finals. So we will look outside to push the squad which is natural. You want that fight for places but also being mindful we have spent a bit of time building up a good spirit.”
Over the weekend, Clarke confirmed he may put McTominay back into his natural midfield role after form at Manchester United this term, where he has scored seven goals. For the national team, he has played centre-back.
While it’s always been on his mind, the Scotland boss says McTominay’s form may not result in a position change: “I’ve always considered playing Scott in the middle of the park, but at the moment, his position was as one of the back three and he played very well.
“We have options in midfield and Scott’s done well for Manchester United this season. If he’s picked for the squad in March, I am sure he will do well, whatever position I play him in.”
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