STEVE CLARKE was typically nonplussed when Newcastle United star Elliot Anderson left the camp this week after picking up a knock.
It means the freshly called-up Toon ace is out of the firing line for a double header which includes a clash against England – and leaves open the possibility of him playing for the Three Lions instead.
Steve Clarke refused to be drawn
GettyElliot Anderson has returned to Newcastle for treatment[/caption]
That prospect wouldn’t have been closed off entirely even if he had taken to the field in either of these two matches in any case.
But national team boss Clarke had a typically dry response when asked if he sought any assurances from the former Scotland Under-21 man before he departed the scene.
Clarke said simply: “No – he just went home.
“It’s disappointing to lose Elliot and Liam [Kelly] on the same day but that’s part and parcel of international football, you just deal with it.”
If other results go their way in midweek, Scotland could be qualified for Euro 2024 by this time next week.
Clarke is typically keeping feet on the ground ahead of the match.
He said: “I’m not really the excitable type am I. I will just concentrate on the game coming up.
“We just look to continue what we do. We go from game to game, respect every opponent and look to get the three points.
“First we have to win the game. once we win the game we can speak about other possibilities.”
The national team boss said Lyndon Dykes has trained and trained well and will be available for the group – even though he hasn’t played for the last three weeks for Queen’s Park Rangers due to injury.
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