WE NEED TO BE PERFECT
Clarke targets flawless display and insists we can’t afford any slip-ups against world’s best
STEVE CLARKE has admitted his Scotland side will need a flawless performance to avoid crashing to a third straight defeat against Belgium tonight. The national gaffer is bracing
himself for a visit from the side ranked No.1 in the world as he attempts to recover from the pain of Friday night’s loss at home to Russia.
That result effectively ended Scotland’s chances of qualifying for Euro 2020 through Group I.
But asked if he thinks it is possible for the Scots to keep a clean sheet against Roberto Martinez’s superstars, Clarke said: “Yes, going by what I saw us do against them in June – so long as we defend well and everyone plays at their best.
“Listen, as a team you are going to have to play a game with almost no mistakes because the top players and the top teams punish you if you make a mistake.
“So the question is, ‘Can we play a game with no mistakes?’”
On the face of it, tonight’s fixture could hardly have been more unkind to Clarke given he is just three games into his tenure.
But he added: “Maybe it’s a good fixture for us because I don’t think there’s any expectation.
“If we are being honest, there’s not too many people in the country who are saying Scotland will get something out of this game.
“But the players want to show everybody they are a good group.”
Clarke has thrown down the gauntlet to his squad as he searches for a leader with the qualities of former skipper Scott Brown.
He said: “Scott has been a great servant but he’s not available now. So you are hoping somewhere along the line someone will take up that mantle.”
Clarke plans to freshen up his team but Ryan Jack has returned to Rangers for treatment on a knee injury.
The manager is also not willing to rush Hearts striker Steven Naismith back into action as the veteran is nursing a damaged hamstring.
Clarke said: “With such a short space between the games you are always going to get one or two little knocks. One or two boys are a little bit tired.
“I think I made five changes in Brussels and it may be a similar situation tomorrow, maybe a bit less.”