STEPHEN IS WELL UP FOR SCOTS FIGHT
MOTHERWELL manager Graham Alexander insists Stephen O’Donnell will rise to the fierce challenge for his right wing-back spot with Scotland.
Well skipper O’Donnell has established himself in national manager Steve Clarke’s side.
But with Rangers promising youngster Nathan Patterson having broken into the international squad during the Euros and the emergence of Anthony Ralston at Celtic, Clarke has more options to pick from.
Alexander, who made 40 Scotland appearances, insists it’s great for Clarke to have competition for places as he prepared to name his squad today for next month’s World Cup qualifiers with Denmark, Moldova and Austria.
Alexander said: “At that level of football, if there’s no competition for your spot then the country’s struggling.
“Any player in that squad has competition and that’s the reality of representing your country. I don’t believe that will change Stephen’s approach.
“He’s well aware of the challenge and what’s required to get into the Scotland set-up and what’s needed to stay there.
“He’s met those challenges head on and that’s why he’s played so many games under Steve Clarke.
“Stephen knows all about the players who are vying for his place but I’d argue there isn’t a player in that squad whose place is safe.
“If there’s a lack of competition then that doesn’t create a healthy environment but this test won’t change Stephen in any way, shape or form.
“He won’t look at the form of other players – he’ll just concentrate on doing his best for the national team, which he loves doing. He’s never let Scotland down.
“Like most players, Stephen wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
“He’s had to work hard for everything he has.”
O’Donnell started all three games at the Euros, taking his cap haul to 22, and was a standout in the draw with England at Wembley.
Alexander said: “Look, I never doubted him and I don’t think Steve Clarke ever did either.
“He showed what he was all about in that England game and I also don’t believe he let himself down in the other games against the Czech Republic and Croatia.
“That’s why I made him captain here. He’s played in all the games he’s been available for me and he shows commitment every single day in training.”