Steve Clark has challenged Scotland to choose up the place it left off on the finish of 2023 because it prepares to return to motion in Thursday’s pleasant in opposition to Poland after greater than 4 months and not using a sport.
The Scots completed final 12 months on a excessive as they superior to the World Cup qualifiers with six straight victories.
Nevertheless, Clarke admits {that a} hiatus over current months might have stemmed the movement of his crew, however he’s hopeful they’ll rebuild momentum with one other victory in Hampden over a Polish aspect getting ready for his or her World Cup finals match in opposition to Sweden or the Czech Republic subsequent week. .
In the meantime, Scotland will face a second pleasant match on Tuesday away from dwelling to the losers of the play-off semi-final between Wales and Austria.
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Regardless of the postponement of the World Cup qualifier in opposition to Ukraine, Scotland coach Steve Clarke is wanting ahead to the upcoming friendlies for his crew.
“I do not know the way Poland will deal with the match as a result of that they had an enormous sport on Tuesday,” Clark mentioned.
“For ourselves, it is nearly attempting to choose up the place we left off final November and looking for the feel-good issue and continuity that we had.
“The way in which we performed in opposition to Denmark was good, so we wish to proceed that. It is good to convey the boys again after 4 months. It has been a very long time so it is good to see them. It is good to have two good friendlies. I am wanting ahead to.”
“It is a case of attempting to get that momentum. If we had been taking part in in a extra aggressive sport it will have a special really feel to it. It’s kind of stress-free, it is a good sunny day however the temper round camp is like in November and I hope the efficiency on the pitch is constructive. Because it was in November.
“I do know the time period pleasant is used however in each match whenever you signify your nation, you wish to win. This group of gamers has proven that they wish to try this and we hope that continues for the subsequent two matches.”
Clarke has three new faces on his squad this week within the type of Hearts defender Craig Halkett, Sunderland striker Ross Stewart and Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey. He was influenced by the best way they settled into a good group.
Scotland captain Andy Robertson and Lyndon Dykes will miss the match in opposition to Poland
“Initially I inform them (the brand new gamers) that they’re within the crew as a result of they’ve impressed me, so that they need not run like loopy on the sector attempting to impress me extra,” he mentioned. “They’ve to return in and slot in and really feel a part of the group, that is a giant factor.
“We have spent the final three years attempting to construct that feeling all through the camp. We would like the blokes to return in realizing that they’ll have good amenities, good coaching, good match preparation and in addition the great feeling issue of mingling and connecting with one another once more. That is One thing we have labored arduous to construct and wish to hold doing.”
With captain Andy Robertson absent through Covid, it appeared like Hickey is perhaps in line to begin at left-back. However sickness has left the 19-year-old doubtful about Thursday’s sport.
Poland defender Aaron Hickey is doubtful within the match in opposition to Poland
Clark mentioned: “Aaron awoke feeling just a little unwell (on Wednesday) so we left him out of coaching and we’ll see how he does.
“Aaron made a extremely courageous determination as a younger man to maneuver overseas and he has grown up in a short time. He has joined the crew and is rising as a extremely assured man and I’m wanting ahead to seeing him on the pitch.
“I’ve at all times thought with Aaron that I am simply going to let him settle into the crew and see how he goes. Now we have two video games so it isn’t about dashing into it. I have never selected that anyway (beginning him in opposition to Poland) however the truth that he is having a little bit of a climate possibly makes me really feel good” .
Clarke declined to substantiate who would lead the crew in Robertson’s absence, with Callum McGregor, John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Grant Hanley and Craig Gordon amongst a number of potential contenders.
“I have never determined but,” he mentioned. “I’ve a number of candidates. I’ve a number of leaders. It is nice, I really like him.”
sport for ukraine
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Actor Ewan McGregor talks about his journey with the charity and urges followers to attend Thursday’s pleasant match between Scotland and Poland as £10 from every ticket bought goes to UNICEF Ukraine’s emergency fund
The Scottish Soccer Affiliation will donate £10 from each ticket bought for Thursday’s pleasant match in Hampden Park to UNICEF Ukraine’s emergency fund.
Scottish movie star Ewan MacGregor is an envoy for the charity and has advised Sky Sports activities concerning the affect of the gesture.
“That might give UNICEF some huge cash,” he mentioned. “In the event that they fill the park there, that is a six-figure donation to UNICEF and that may be nice.
“So I prefer it and I feel it will add a sure delight to the sport – I positively suppose so.
“Poland is doing an amazing factor, they’ve welcomed many refugees from Ukraine into their nation and they’re doing it with such grace – a tie is maybe one of the best case state of affairs – can they tie?
“Let’s draw a lottery and UNICEF may very well be the winner.”
