Scotland Men's Football Team

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Ronald DeBoer believes the Netherlands are looking "very strong at the moment" and are "getting better" under Ronald Koeman.

The Dutch side progressed from their Euro qualifying group comfortably - winning all bar their two games against France.

The former Rangers midfielder says key players are coming into good form at the perfect time.

"Virgil van Dijk is coming to his best, Memphis Depay is coming to his best, Cody Gokpo and Xavi Simons are playing extremely well," DeBoer told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Some young players, in the midfield we have a bunch of players like AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, who has had an unbelievable season so far.

"Jurrien Timber [from Arsenal] and Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord are really showing themselves on the international level, on the Champions League level. We're looking very strong at the moment."

DeBoer says Koeman switching away from the traditional Dutch 4-4-3 to a back three was a divisive move among fans, but believes the manager has made smart changes.

"It was quite a big issue because when he was announced to be the manager again he said he would go back to the 4-3-3, the traditional way, going back to pressing the opponent with wingers.

"But then with the 4-0 defeat against France and some other bad results they didn't look strong. I think he realized the result was more important at the moment than the traditional 4-3-3. And it worked well.

"For me, you have to look to the opponent. If you feel like against this opponent we can play 4-3-3, go for it, because if you have 80% of the time on the ball you don't need three men at the back.

"But if you play France, accept that underdog role and then be realistic. Don't be naive. I think that is what Koeman now realises - when you're up against stronger teams you don't have not always the best team to win in football. You have to be smart. I think that is what Koeman does now."

• Listen to the full Scottish Football Podcast with Ronald DeBoer on the morning of Friday 22 March, on BBC Sounds.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has been facing the media ahead of their friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

Here were his key points:

• Sees the four upcoming friendlies as “important” because he believes the better they play in them the better they will be prepared for the summer.

• Says they showed in recent games against world class teams that they can be competitive and need to show that again against the Netherlands.

• Sees the Dutch as at a “similar level to Spain” and “always competitive”. Looks at this as the kind of game for Scotland to try something “a little bit different” and they “just want to keep improving”.

• Training has been very intense and camaraderie has been very high with an “extra edge” – but the Euros still feels a little distant to Clarke.

• Insists squad places are still up for grabs with decisions still to be made. Says the players are all trying to show they want to be part of the squad to go to Germany in the summer.

• Says it was “disappointing” to lose centre-backs Scott McKenna and Grant Hanley to injury and will reassess the squad after the game against the Netherlands, deciding then if they want to add to it.

• When asked if either player were in danger of missing the Euros, says “they should both recover fine”.

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Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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One Celtic player, Callum McGregor, will miss the Scotland game in Amsterdam on Thursday night. But a former Celtic man, Jeremie Frimpong, is one of the stand-out characters in the Dutch squad.

Frimpong is remembered in Scottish football for his remarkable energy. He did well, but in a Celtic team that was unravelling around him. This was the 10-in-a-row season that wasn’t. A time of Diego Laxalt and Shane Duffy, Albian Ajeti and Patryk Klimala.

The Dutchman’s last four games for Celtic featured a 1-0 loss to Rangers, a 1-1 draw with Hibs, and two draws against Livingston. His move to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021 was a great deal all-round. Celtic commanded a big fee and the player arrived at a club with huge ambition.

In his second full season he scored nine goals. In his third - this season - he’s already on 11. Every time Frimpong scores, Leverkusen win.

He was capped for the first time last October, against France, and he’s a vital cog in one of the stories of European football - the rise and rise of Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga, 10 points clear of Bayern Munich. It’s one of the most dramatic times in the recent history of the German top flight.

Last month, Frimpong scored the third in a 3-0 victory over Bayern. He’s still only 23 and won’t turn 24 until December. The Frimpong we may see on Thursday night is a different character to the one we saw at Celtic. He was promising then. He has arrived now.

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• This is Scotland’s first away game against the Netherlands since a 3-0 loss in March 2009. They are winless in their last seven there (D3 L4) since a 2-1 victory back in May 1959.

• Netherlands have won their last three matches without conceding a single goal: two 1-0 wins against Greece and the Republic of Ireland and a 6-0 win over Gibraltar. They haven’t won four in a row without conceding since between March and June 2013.

• Scotland are winless in their last five matches (D2 L3), shipping as many goals in those five games (14) as they did in their previous 18 matches combined. They haven’t gone six games in a row without a win since doing so between October 2007 and September 2008.

• Netherlands have only lost one of their last 17 home games in all competitions (W13 D3), a 2-1 defeat to France last October. Their last seven home defeats have all happened at the Johan Cruyff Arena, which is where this match will be played.

• Scotland have won just two of their last 17 friendly matches (D4 L11), both 1-0 away victories against Hungary (March 2018) and Luxembourg (June 2021).

• Cody Gakpo has scored three goals in his last four Netherlands appearances – indeed, since his debut in June 2021, only Memphis Depay (17) has more goals for his country than Gakpo (9).

• John McGinn’s next goal for Scotland will be his 19th for the national team, which would put him joint-fifth in their all-time standings alongside Ally McCoist. Indeed, he’s been involved in nine goals in his last 14 international starts (6 goals, 3 assists).

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Craig Gordon says returning to the Scotland squad was a big motivation during his recovery from injury, and he still has ambitions to gain "as many caps as possible".

The Hearts goalkeeper has only played three cup games - all against lower opposition - this season for Hearts since recovering from a broken leg, with fellow Scotland keeper Zander Clark keeping him out of the starting lineup.

Despite limited game time, the 41-year-old veteran still has eyes on more success in a Scotland jersey.

“I’m very happy to get back to this level but I want to continue that,” Gordon told the Scotland NT, external media team.

“I want to get back playing for the national team and that’s still going to drive me on, to try and achieve that, to gain as many caps as I possibly can.

“It’s been good to get back and playing in the cup games [for Hearts], some tricky ones. Sometimes they’re more difficult games than your normal league games when you know what to expect, different grounds.

“[The Scotland squad] is a brilliant squad to be part of. This team at the moment is a really special one to be part of. It was always something I was striving to get back for, especially with how well the team has been doing in the build-up to these Euros.”

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Steve Clarke has a "big decision" on his hands to choose which Hearts goalkeeper starts for his side at Euro 2024, according to former Scotland international Lee McCulloch.

Zander Clark has been a mainstay in Steven Naismith's Hearts team this season with 37 appearances, and also started Scotland's last three matches, while 41-year-old Craig Gordon has only started three cup games for the same club this season.

While injury has sidelined the keeper for most of the season, he has been unable to dislodge Clark since returning, leaving the Scotland boss with a dilemma.

“From being outside the Old Firm as well, I think it’s a testament to both goalkeepers,” McCulloch said.

“Zander has come in as a number two but obviously as happens in football, players get injured so it opened the door for him and he has been fantastic. He has kept that number one spot.

“Craig at the age he is, to come back from that horrific injury to start playing games again is just perfect timing. I think Steve Clarke has a big decision on his hands.

“He has an outstanding attitude and an outstanding outlook on life and how everything is focused around his football. How professional he is is what I mean by that.

“How long [he will continue] I don’t know. At 41 to still be as fit as he is and come back from that injury and put on the performances he has in the three games he has played this season is fantastic.”

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Wes Brown has been impressed by Scott McTominay's attacking qualities, and believes he excels when played further forward.

The 27-year-old netted seven times in Scotland's Euro 2024 qualification campaign last year and also has nine for Manchester United despite not being a regular starter.

Brown says McTominay has been an "brilliant" for his former club.

“I have always liked Scott and I’m not a manager but I love him when he plays high up,” Brown said. “He has that timing into the box, he’s good in the air and he can finish.

“This season he has shown that and improved and he has been a very important player for us. Especially when it was going in a bad way and he would step up and be one of the big characters in the team.

“I just feel when we first started to play him, even if I was the manager you look at Scott and probably the physique on him is ideal for any sort of footballer, he is big, strong, long strides and you're thinking defensive midfield.

“But when you see Scott playing more he loves to get forward - it's all about timing and he is one of the best I have seen for a while.”

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Scotland Under-21s defender Max Johnston says he was encouraged to move away from Scotland by the success of other Scots abroad.

The former Motherwell player has made 21 club appearances this season for Austrian side Sturm Graz, and is now back in Scotland preparing for the under-21s’ Euro 2025 qualifier against Kazakhstan on Thursday.

“You saw how well Aaron Hickey has done (abroad) and now he is playing in the Premier League and Lewis Ferguson is flying just now," Johnston said.

“So you see boys who have been brave enough to take the step and move away and that obviously encouraged me to do it as well.

"I had a chat with the manager who really sold the club to me and once I went over, I understood how big the club is. The city’s beautiful. It’s something I wanted to do -move away, see the world and I’ve been lucky to move to such an amazing place."

Johnston is is relishing being part of a title race in the Austrian Bundesliga, as Sturm Graz try to chase down league-leaders RB Salzburg, who they face immediately after the international break.

"I’m loving it," Johnston said. "I’m starting to get in the team a bit more now which is a lot more enjoyable. I feel as though I’m improving. I’m only 20 - I’ve got so much to learn.

"It’s exciting for the fans. We’ve got the league split now and the points have halved so that takes us to just [two points] behind RB Salzburg, so hopefully we can keep winning our games and try to catch them.

"We play them next so it’ll be a huge game but those are the kind of games you want to play in. I’ll just work hard in training and try my best to be involved."

Sean McGill
BBC Sport Scotland

With Steve Clarke running the rule over an extended squad this international break for friendlies with the Netherlands and Northern Ireland, BBC Sport Scotland takes a look at who's heading into camp on hot form at club level.

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Amid the madness of an FA Cup classic, Scott McTominay once again proved his worth as he grabbed a goal and an assist in Manchester United's thrilling 4-3 win over Liverpool.

Scotland's player of the year could have found the back of the net on at least another two occasions - such is the enigma of the midfielder in the Old Trafford spotlight. United fans can still find frustration in his performances, but McTominay is now their second-top goalscorer in all competitions.

Thankfully, the Tartan Army have no reservations in their love for the 27-year-old. 'Til my heart breaks, and all that.

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Staying south of the border, Ryan Porteous has finally managed to find himself back in the starting line-up for Watford in recent weeks. The former Hibs man was at the heart of a rigid visiting defence as the Hornets left Birmingham with a clean sheet and all three points.

Another Ryan - Bournemouth's Christie was having a well-earned rest weekend after featuring in the Cherries' sensational comeback from three goals down to beat Luton Town in midweek. Although Scotland are well stocked in central midfield, it will be interesting to see whether Clarke fancies a look at Christie in the deeper role that has seen him thrive on the south coast.

Not much to report on a striking front, unfortunately. Che Adams was also having a long lie this weekend, while Lyndon Dykes started in Queen's Park Rangers' goalless draw at Sunderland and Lawrence Shankland was uncharacteristically quiet as Hearts lost to Ross County.

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I don't mean to jinx anything, but Kieran Tierney is looking back to his old self after returning from injury for Real Sociedad. Off the back of bagging an assist and being named player of the match in the Spanish side's 3-2 win over Granada, the left-back featured in the second-half as they kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Cadiz on Friday.

Another Scot looking rejuvenated on the continent is Scott McKenna, who has quickly endeared himself to Copenhagen fans with four clean sheets in his five league starts. The centre-half seems to have added the power the Danish champions were lacking at the back.

Scotland assistant coach John Carver would "be very surprised" if any of the English-born players at Newcastle or Leeds' Archie Gray, all of whom have been linked with playing for the Scots, end up in the Euro 2024 squad. (Sun), external

Carver reveals Plymouth forward Ryan Hardie has caught Scotland manager Steve Clarke's attention this season. (Herald - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Carver admits time is running out for those facing fitness issues at club level and still hoping to make the finals. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Ryan Porteous believes "a lot of people could go under with the stuff I kind of dealt with", the Scotland and Watford defender referring to criticism he received earlier in his career. (Record), external

Scotland Under-21 forward Tommy Conway aims to go to the Euro 2024 finals, whether he is playing with the senior team or watching as a supporter. (Sun), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland assistant manager John Carver admits he and national boss Steve Clarke “already have a good idea” of who will make the final cut for the Euros in Germany this summer.

However, the two upcoming friendlies against The Netherlands and Northern Ireland will help clarify the “two or three places up for grabs”.

When asked if they already knew which players would be boarding the plane to Germany, Carver replied: “We have a good idea. We’re not going to talk about that yet because somebody could come out from behind the cupboard and just appear.

"There might be another Lawrence Shankland coming from nowhere, up on the rails.

"I think if I’m being honest, Steve has a rough idea. There might be two or three places up for grabs and we’ll have to see who takes those spots.”

As for what awaits the players who make the final 23-man squad, Carver is in no doubt they’ll have an experience like nothing they’ve ever witnessed before, if the current level of interest in Euro 2024 is anything to go by.

“All I’ve been doing is going to watch games for the last four months and every time I walk into a stadium, whether it’s in England or Scotland, everybody’s talking about it," Carver said.

"The fans are talking about it, the people in the boardroom are talking about it. I’ve got to calm myself down sometimes. Everybody’s talking about it.

"There’s a huge difference to when we qualified the previous time, and I can sense that. Obviously we were in a difficult situation with Covid, fans weren’t allowed in.

"I’ve now got so many Scottish friends wanting to go to the Euros. They’re coming out of the woodwork left, right and centre looking for tickets. Everyone I speak to is going. Not everybody’s got a ticket, as we know.

"They’re expecting around 100,000 [Scotland fans] in Germany and that’s incredible. I can’t wait to see that."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland assistant manager John Carver has been speaking to the media ahead of the national team's friendly with The Netherlands on Friday.

Here are the key points:

• Steve Clarke has a "good idea" of who will be on the plane to Germany, but somebody could "come out from behind the cupboard" to earn a place late on. There might be "two or three" places up for grabs.

• There could be "another Lawrence Shankland who appears from nowhere". The Hearts striker impressed the Scotland camp with his goal against Georgia, adding he's "a goalscorer, and that's what we need".

• Friday's game is a "friendly with an edge" due to the competitiveness in the squad and "nobody wanting to miss out".

• "Waiting to find out" on Aaron Hickey, but the hope is he could be back in contention for Brentford in "two-three weeks".

• There won't be a replacement for the injured Grant Hanley, who dropped out on Tuesday morning: "we're well covered there".

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland

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Steve Clarke's words of encouragement have been "massive" for Tommy Conway, says the Scotland under-21 striker.

The Bristol City frontman was one of three younger players invited to the first team's training camp in Spain last summer, and the 21-year-old is keen to stay in the manager's "good books".

"I really enjoyed it," Conway said. "Steve Clarke pulled me over and said he was really impressed. He said to me, ‘keep doing what you’re doing at club level and with the under-21s and hopefully I’ll see you soon.’"

Two stand-out goals in his club's FA Cup tie with West Ham brought Conway to a broader audience but it’s clear he had already caught Clarke's eye.

"He's the manager of the ‘A' squad so if I’m in his good books and if I’m doing well when I’m away with them, then ultimately I’m going to reap the rewards in the long run.

"You can only do what you can at club level to earn the right at international level so it’s a pretty straight-forward task and I know exactly what I need to be doing.”

Conway accepts that patience is key, however, with Clarke likely to stay loyal to Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland - strikers who’ve all helped Scotland book their tickets to Germany this summer.

“What they’ve done for Scotland is a huge credit to them. They’re role models at the end of the day and I want to be exactly like them. Hopefully in the near future I can be one of them."

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Grant Hanley has dropped out of the Scotland squad for the friendly double-header with The Netherlands and Northern Ireland.

The 32-year-old was recalled after a lengthy injury lay-off, suffering from a ruptured Achilles.

Having made eight appearances for his club Norwich City since the turn of the year, the defender earned his way back into Steve Clarke's plans, but will now sit out with just three months to go until the Euros.

As it stands, there has been no replacement called up in Hanley's place.

Amy Canavan is joined by Kevin McCluskie – editor of HungarianFootball.com – and BBC Sport Scotland journalist and commentator Thomas Duncan.

We shift our attention to international football and get the lowdown on Scotland’s Euro 2024 opponents Hungary, Switzerland and Germany. Dauntingly, Kevin reckons confidence in Budapest is ‘uncharacteristically high’.

• Subscribe and listen to full episodes of BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

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Scotland Under-21s head coach Scot Gemmill says his players "all know how close they are" to potentially forcing their way into Steve Clarke's senior squad.

With this summer's Euro 2024 finals on the horizon, Gemmill does not "feel the need to push it" to his players but says it is "a huge carrot" for them.

Gemmill's side, which includes previous senior squad picks Josh Doig and Max Johnston, face Kazakhstan in an Under-21 Euro 2025 qualifier on Thursday.

"They know how closely Steve [Clarke] watches our games," Gemmill adds.

"They have to use these games, and all the games, in that regard. It's for them to show on a consistent basis. That applies at every level.

"You don’t get to play for Scotland any level if you don’t have the technical level, the real difference is attitude and mentality, being able to influence games."

Graeme Souness says Scotland are capable of winning all three games in their Euro 2024 group, but believes the team are short of a "goal getter".

Steve Clarke's side will face Germany, Switzerland and Hungary in the group stage, and for this week's friendlies against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland the strikers included in the squad are Che Adams, Lyndon Sykes and Lawrence Shankland.

"I think we've got we've got a really good group of players," former Scotland midfielder Souness said. "We’re a goal getter short. We're relying on [Scott] McTominay's goals. We're relying on other people chipping in. We're a team right now that is so well organised we can go away and play counter attacking football. We don't have to have the ball all the time to win football matches.

"In the three games in Germany, we're capable of winning all three of them. It won't be easy, they're 50-50 games. It's the weakest German group of players I've ever known. Playing Germany in Germany, is it ever easy? But I think we're capable of digging results out and if we get beat in the first game then you just have to set your stall out for the next two and win the next two.

"We are a team that are difficult to play against. We've got a very strong midfield. We're well organised. I just wish we had that fox in the box."

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