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TFriday night’s least desirable sight for Scotland supporters did not include Finland’s two goals which ensured Steve Clarke’s side went through to Euro 2024 with a draw rather than a win in their final heat. With Andy Robertson quickly downing tablets on the touchline, fears are mounting that Clarke faces another selective blow ahead of Germany.
The manager later allayed the concern by explaining that Robertson had felt sick at half-time the tie 2-2. No wider concern emerged. Robertson was hauled off just after the hour mark after setting up Laurence Shankland’s goal and firing the ball into the area which set up Artu Hoskonen to sweep into his own net. Robertson remains one of Scotland’s main attacking threats.
“Andy’s performance, he was always on the front foot,” Clarke said. “It’s 49 games as captain now and that’s a record. You look at Andy and think, “Come on Andy, there’s a few more to come.” He’s been great to me. He came in and got the captaincy at a really young age, but he really grew into the role. He is a proper leader.
The Liverpool defender is key to creating Scotland’s culture. In the dressing room at Hampden Park, veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon received a signed shirt to mark reaching 75 caps. It was a bittersweet moment for the 41-year-old, whose international career could be over after he was one of two players left out of the squad that will travel to Germany on Sunday. At the other end of the scale, Tommy Conway made his debut against Finland.
“Tommy got a tape signed number one. There was one with a 50 on it for Grant Hanley and a 75 for Craig,” Clarke said. “These things come from the captain. It’s his idea, it’s his thoughts that go into that saying, “This is what we’re about. Let’s keep the right group and always give these little souvenirs.’
“They get a silver medal for 25 games and a gold medal for 50. I don’t know what they get for 75 and it always takes about a month before they get those medals, so it’s nice at night to actually give something away.”
Scotland look relieved heading into the tournament. It has been eight months since they qualified, with routine friendlies in between raising more questions than answers. Clarke is confident his players will be fine tonight. Namely, in the tournament opener against the hosts on Friday, before facing Switzerland and Hungary in their bid to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.
Clarke is adamant that Scott McTominay, who missed June’s friendlies, will be available for selection. “The competitive edge will return,” Clark said. “The desire not to lose.” We will be full, 100%.
“I’m not saying we went out against Finland to try and lose, but you go out and it’s always in the back of your mind.
“What happened to Lyndon [Dykes, who broke down injured in training] scare them a little. Now that they’re there, they’re in the race, everything’s going full steam ahead.”
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It would be a surprise if Che Adams doesn’t spearhead the attack against Germany.
However, Shankland’s header on Friday will give the 28-year-old Hearts striker new confidence. His third goal in 11 appearances for Scotland came after a disappointing draw at a empty against Gibraltar and, as a substitute, Northern Ireland.
“It meant a lot to him. He gave me a big smile when he came out,” said Clarke, of Shankland. “It’s important because strikers live off goals.
“Lawrence was a bit disappointed after the Gibraltar game because all the chances that came his way didn’t come to him. But he kept going in there and eventually got his head on one.
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