Steve Clarke has known as on Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson to be given “time and space” to decide whether or not his worldwide future lies with Scotland or England.
The 20-year-old Anderson, who’s English by delivery, was chosen by Clarke for Scotland’s September double-header. Anderson withdrew from the squad after two coaching periods amid ideas he was having second ideas about taking part in for Scotland. Anderson represented England between Under-16 and Under-19 degree and made one look for Scotland’s Under-21s.
Anderson is a notable absentee from the Scotland squad revealed by Clarke on Wednesday for matches with Spain and France. “Elliot is a young man making his way in the game,” mentioned Clarke. “He has a big decision to make international-wise. Let’s just give the boy a little time and space to make that decision.” The England supervisor, Gareth Southgate, mentioned of Anderson final month: “We liked him and we do like him. He’s a player that’s doing really well.”
Clarke has made plain he has little interest in pursuing Anderson. “He left the last camp and we haven’t spoken since,” the Scotland supervisor mentioned. “I haven’t picked him for this camp. I will move on and work with the players I have got.”
Pressed on whether or not Anderson has a probable profession with Scotland, Clarke mentioned: “If he doesn’t choose England, yes.” Clarke does, nevertheless, seem at midnight about Anderson’s ideas. “I haven’t spoken to anybody about it so I don’t know,” he mentioned.
Ben Doak has been named within the Scotland Under-21 squad for this month’s fixtures, with Clarke resisting calls to fast-track the Liverpool teen into his group. “Ben is one we have our eye on,” Clarke mentioned. “I had a chat with [the Under-21 manager,] Scot Gemmill, about it. I am a great believer that young players need minutes on the pitch. He will get minutes with the Under-21s. He has already played above his age grade anyway so it is good experience for him. He will go there and do well. The Under-21s being involved in the qualification mix would be another step in his development.”
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Kieran Tierney will sit out the Euro 2024 qualifier in opposition to Spain in Seville and the pleasant in opposition to France in Lille. The Arsenal defender, on mortgage at Real Sociedad, picked up what Clarke described as “quite a significant injury” in opposition to Athletic Bilbao final weekend. “We will miss him but I know Kieran and he will work as hard as he possibly can to get back as soon as possible,” mentioned Clarke. “We will be there to support him.”
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