Scotland Men's Football Team

Steve Clarke hints the World Cup campaign could be his last as manager... unless Scotland win the trophy.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Steve Clarke says he and his Scotland squad "are just the same as everyone else" and "disappointed" with the way their Euro 2024 campaign panned out.

Scotland failed to win a game and didn't make it out of the group stages in Germany despite a highly impressive qualifying campaign.

Head coach Clarke, speaking for the first time since the 1-0 defeat by Hungary consigned Scotland to the exit, said it "just wasn't our tournament".

After naming his squad for next month's Nations League games against Poland and Portugal, he added: "We’re all disappointed we didn’t achieve what we wanted to achieve in the tournament.

"There’s always going to be criticism when you don’t achieve your targets. If all the criticism comes to me, that’s fine, I can take it.

"I think you have to look at the build-up to the tournament. It wasn't smooth, we had a lot of players injured, even from in-camp we lost a lot of players and what we have shown is, if we’re missing one or two key players, we’re not as strong as we would be with them in the team."

Given the strong qualifying campaign, which saw Scotland beat eventual tournament winners Spain at Hampden, hopes were high that Clarke's side could progress from the group stage for the first time.

There has been criticism of the failure to do that, but Clarke said he takes that as a compliment.

"It means me and my staff and the players have done a really good job to raise expectations," he added.

"When I took the job, it was over 20 years since we had been at a tournament, now we’ve been at two of the last three, so we must have done something right.

"If the expectation now is that you have to qualify for the tournament, and you have to come out the group stage, then that is what we’ll try and do in 2026."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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"The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over."

Yep, that's right, Ryan Gauld is back with the Scotland national team for reunion dates in Glasgow and Lisbon.

Still uncapped at the age of 28, the Vancouver Whitecaps captain will be desperate to take to the stage after returning to the senior squad for the first time in a decade on the same day Oasis announced their comeback tour.

Despite a loyal social media following fighting his corner, it felt like another call-up would never come for the Dundee United youth product.

He even conceded that he may never play football in his home country again as the style "doesn't really suit me".

With injuries mounting prior to Euro 2024, Clarke's decision to take fellow MLS forward Lewis Morgan to Germany seemed to highlight how far down the pecking order Gauld was.

However, speaking for the first time since Scotland's dismal summer, Clarke revealed the 28-year-old "was in my thoughts before the tournament".

Now, after Euros failure and a barrage of criticism for a dull attacking approach, the head coach has turned to Gauld.

So what is it Gauld provides that makes him different to what Scotland already have? For a start, he contributes goals on a consistent basis.

After a failed loan spell from Sporting Lisbon to Hibernian in 2018-19, he has racked up a combined 105 goals and assists in the following five seasons.

In three of those five campaigns, Gauld has also managed double figures for both goals and assists during spells with Farense in Portugal and now Vancouver.

And he has posted those impressive numbers while playing a variety of positions: attacking midfield, off both wings and as a supporting striker.

Scotland's midfielders are not predominantly attack minded. Ryan Christie is perhaps the exception, but even he is now playing a deeper role for Bournemouth.

Gauld's ability to play in wide areas also provides Clarke with an option to change the shape of his frontline - which has often featured the one striker, supported by Scott McTominay and John McGinn.

If played more centrally, his agility, awareness and composure on the ball could be key in linking midfield and attack.

But to prove that, Gauld will have to be given a chance, which many will hope is the case when Clarke's side face tough tests in Poland and Portugal in their opening Nations League games.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

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Steve Clarke addressed the media for the first time since Scotland's exit from Euro 2024 as he named his squad for next month's Nations League games against Poland and Portugal.

Here's what he had to say:

• Reflecting on Scotland's Euro 2024 campaign, Clarke said "it wasn't our tournament, a lot of little things didn't fall our way".

• He said his overriding emotion was "disappointment" but in football it is imperative to move on.

• He reiterated his ambition to reach a World Cup with Scotland and stressed his group of players are "determined" to get there: "For some players, it will be their last chance... my last chance, too."

• When asked if he considered his position after the campaign, the Scotland head coach replied: "No, never". Asked what kept him on, he said: "My contract".

• On criticism, Clarke said: "When you don't achieve your targets, there's always criticism. If all criticism comes at me, that's fine, I can take it".

• On his comments about Argentinian referee Facundo Tello after the defeat to Hungary, Clarke said: "I was a disappointed, frustrated coach with a lot of emotion".

• Clarke gave his thanks to Callum McGregor and expressed his disappointment to lose him but said he "respects his decision".

• He added that "no one else has indicated retirement".

• On his squad for the upcoming Nations League games, he said he wanted to "freshen things up, take a look at some players and develop a deeper pool".

• Ryan Gauld was "in thoughts pre-tournament" as he is "a slightly different player to what we have, he's creative".

Ryan Gauld is the surprise name in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the Nations League opening double-header against Poland and Portugal.

Are you glad to see the Vancouver Whitecaps forward finally get a call-up?

Youthful attackers Ben Doak and Tommy Conway are also included as Scotland look to move on from their Euros disappointment, but are there any glaring omissions from Clarke's selection?

And how are you feeling about the upcoming Nations League - can Clarke lead Scotland to a successful campaign in a group that also features Croatia?

Tell us your views here, external.

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Ready to start thinking about Scotland again?

If not, tough. If so, lucky you - Tuesday is the day Steve Clarke announces his squad for next month's Nations League double-header with Portugal and Poland.

After a disappointing summer in Germany, many feel there is a need to freshen things up - so where could we perhaps see changes in the set-up?

Celtic captain Callum McGregor's international retirement means there's a gap to fill in midfield, might Rangers new boy Connor Barron be the man to replace him?

Clarke suffered intense criticism in the aftermath of Scotland's Euros exit, mainly for a lack of verve in attack.

How can he address that? Will Liverpool's Ben Doak come back into the fold? As reports suggest, will there finally be a call-up for Ryan Gauld?

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, the Daily Record's Daniel Caw said: "If the Euros taught us anything, it's that we're crying out for a little bit of creativity and some more firepower options.

"I would love to see Gauld in the squad. The fact he's got zero caps at the age of 28 is unfathomable to me.

"The other guy I'd love to see in would be Simon Murray. I know he's 32 and it might feel like the ship's sailed a little, but 23 goals last season. He's got six this season. What else does he need to do to get a look in?"

Former Rangers goalkeeper Cammy Bell, who gained a cap for Scotland in 2010, added: "I would like to see Barron get a call-up. I think he's a young, talented player and he's started his Rangers career really, really well."

And on the goalkeeping situation, Bell feels "it will be hard" now for Liam Kelly to retain his place in the squad after signing for Rangers as a back-up option.

Napoli are continuing with their plan for Brighton & Hove Albion's Billy Gilmour to undergo a medical this week after a transfer fee of more than £12m was agreed for the 23-year-old Scotland midfielder. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Napoli remain confident of completing a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's Billy Gilmour and also want to sign fellow Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay from Manchester United, but they may have to sell first to complete both. (Dharmesh Sheth on X), external

The £25.4m sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli, subject to all parties being satisfied on player terms, is important for Manchester United's financial fair play compliance and their bid to sign Paris St-Germain's Manuel Ugarte will be aided by the 27-year-old Scotland midfielder's exit. (David Ornstein on X), external

Scott McTominay is keen to join Napoli after a £25.4m fee was agreed with Manchester United, but a pay-off from the Premier League club and personal terms with the 27-year-old Scotland midfielder's proposed new employers are yet to be agreed. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Scotland centre-half Liam Cooper has agreed to re-sign for Hull City following the 32-year-old's Leeds United exit. (Football Insider), external

Rangers are in talks with John Souttar about a new contract and an agreement is close over a long-term deal beyond the 27-year-old Scotland centre-back's current summer 2026 as manager Philippe Clement looks to avoid a repeat of this year's freedom-of-contract exits by John Lundstram and Borna Barasic. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay could have played his last game for Manchester United despite a £19.5m bid from Napoli being rejected as a £25.5m offer could be enough to get the deal done. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Scotland centre-half Liam Cooper is close to agreeing a return to Hull City following his departure from Leeds United and the 32-year-old was in owner Ali Acun Ilicali's box at the MKM Stadium for Saturday's 0-0 draw with Millwall. (Sky Sports), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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Connor Barron believes "there is lots more to come" after a promising start to his Rangers career which has ramped up rumours of a Scotland call-up.

The midfielder has caught the eye since joining in the summer from Aberdeen and surprised some, but not himself.

"I know what I can do, what I can bring to the team and I know what we've got here," the 21-year-old said as he previewed the weekend's game against Ross County.

"It's about me focusing on what I can improve. I know there is lots more to come from me, this is just the start."

There has been speculation Barron is in line for a call-up to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad, which will be named on Tuesday, but he insists his is fully focused on the task at hand.

"My performances on the pitch are what merits that; if it comes along I'll be buzzing," he added.

"It's outwith my hands, I do my talking on the pitch, I try and perform as well as I can and if it happens, it happens. It's all about me being a Rangers player and doing my job for the club.

"It's an aim of mine, but first and foremost it's what I do on the pitch for Rangers. If I am putting in performances for Rangers, you never know what can happen."

Manchester United are set to sell Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, 27, to Napoli in order to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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It's been 21 years since Darren Fletcher made his Scotland debut.

Aye, we are all getting a bit old.

On 20 August 2003, the former Manchester United midfielder was subbed on in place of Maurice Ross in a goalless draw against Norway.

Fourteen years later, Fletcher, who scored five international goals, retired as Scotland's third-most capped male player with 80 appearances to his name.

Sixteen of those caps were won wearing the captain's armband.

How big an impact could Scott McTominay's summer have on Scotland?

Quite a significant one is the view of The Scotsman's sports editor Mark Atkinson, who wants the Manchester United midfielder to be "in the best shape possible" for the national team.

That view will be shared by head coach Steve Clarke and many of the Tartan Army as the 27-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

While Atkinson would keen for McTominay to remain at United and fight for his place after scoring 10 goals for Erik ten Hag's side last term, Mark Critchley of The Athletic feels Napoli is becoming "one of the more likely options" for the Scot.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Critchley says talks are progressing on a deal that could see McTominay move to Italy along with Scotland team-mate Billy Gilmour, the Brighton midfielder who has also been linked with a switch to Naples.

"I would imagine McTominay would prefer to stay in England, if I'm totally honest," Critchley adds.

"He's quite a name here and he's coming off the back of probably his most impressive individual season.

"But if the options are that he has to try something new and move somewhere where he could be more of a regular and have more of an influence on things, then Napoli is looking like one of the more likely options."

If Brighton & Hove Albion secure the signing of Matt O'Riley from Celtic, Napoli are ready to proceed with the capture of 23-year-old Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour from the Premier League club. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Fulham have conceded defeat in their attempt to sign 27-year-old Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay from Manchester United and have instead agreed a deal for Sander Berge from Burnley for £20m plus £5m in bonuses, with the Norwegian due for a medical on Tuesday. (The Athletic), external

Manchester United will only consider a summer exit for Scott McTominay if the Scotland midfielder, who has attracted plenty of interest but for whom there have been no formal bids, makes it clear to the club he wants to leave Old Trafford. (Sky Sports), external

Scott McTominay has decided he does not want to head to Turkey this summer, which rules both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce out of the running to sign the Manchester United and Scotland midfielder. (TeamTalk), external

Scotland striker Kevin Nisbet is wanted by Aberdeen, who want to see if a potential loan deal can be agreed with the 27-year-old having fallen down the pecking order with Millwall. (Daily Record), external

Sturm Graz sports director Andreas Schicker has insisted they want to keep Scotland Under-21 right-back Max Johnston despite the 20-year-old being linked with either a loan or permanent move to Oxford United, Stoke City and Swansea City. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Napoli retain an interest in Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, but any deal for the 27-year-old Scotland international would hinge on potential outgoings at the Serie A club first. (Sky Sports), external

Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has told Napoli head coach Antonio Conte that he would like to make the move to the Serie A club this summer. (La Repubblica via TeamTalk), external

Manchester United will only allow Scott McTominay to leave on loan with an obligation to buy clause and Napoli are not willing to go down that path. (Tuttomercato), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Manchester United will only allow Scott McTominay to leave on loan to Napoli if there is an obligation to buy, but fellow Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour's move from Brighton & Hove Albion should be concluded next week. (Ciro Venarato via Tuttonapoli), external

As it stands, Scott McTominay will remain with Manchester United despite speculation about the Scotland midfielder's future at Old Trafford. (Sky Sports), external

Atalanta and Espanyol are among clubs who have made approaches for Scottish midfielder Andy Irving, who spent last season on loan to Austria Klagenfurt, and there is interest from clubs in Britain and the German Bundesliga as West Ham United decide whether to keep the 24-year-old or loan him out again. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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