CLARKE’S CAP CALL FOR KILLIE

STEVE CLARKE insists some of his Kilmarnock players deserve a place in Alex McLeish’s squad for the end-of-season trip to South and Central America.

Scotland boss Eck revealed Rugby Park was on his radar after the stunning turnaround in Ayrshire under Clarke.

Killie are just six points off fourth place with one defeat in 17 league games as they prepare to host relegation battlers Hamilton today.

Clarke admitted a name-check from McLeish in a talkSPORT radio interview with former Scotland striker Ally McCoist yesterday was pleasing and that any call-ups would be a huge boost to the club. And the 54-year-old – who won six caps for his country – is adamant every player should be ready and willing to make the trip for friendlies against Peru and Mexico.

McLeish said: “Stevie’s doing tremendously well with Kilmarnock and maybe one or two of his lads will come into my thoughts.”

And Clarke said: “It’s another little sign we must be doing something right here if we’re attracting the attention of the national manager. We have some players whose performances would merit a call-up.

“I never mention specific players, that’s not for me to say. Alex will have a look and decide what players he wants to take away for a bit of experience in the summer.

“It would be good for the club but Alex has to take them. The trip would be beneficial for any player.

“If you get called up to travel away, no matter where it is or what time of the season it is, it is a great honour.

“It’s something I was fortunate enough to do a few times, although not as often as I would have liked.

“So for me, if you get called up you should have your suitcase ready to go.”