NOW GET OFF STEVE’S BACK
1998 by qualifying for Euro 2020. Clarke came under fire for his line-up in the loss in Copenhagen which looked to have crushed any hope of his team making it into the World Cup play-offs.
Wins against Moldova and Austria have Scotland into second place ahead of Saturday night’s visit from Israel and a third successive victory would leave Clarke and his men within touching distance of a shot at Qatar 2022.
Carver said: “I find it hard to understand how people can criticise him and I’ve been in this game a long, long time.
“I’ve seen the work he’s done, I’ve seen the work other managers have done, and I’m a little bit disappointed when I do hear that criticism.
“I don’t read it. I don’t watch it on TV but I’m surprised to be honest.
“We’ve got to one major tournament after so many years and we’re on the verge of giving ourselves another opportunity.
“Let’s face it, when the draw came out and you saw Denmark, Austria and to a lesser extent Israel you’re thinking to yourself, ‘If we can get second place that would be remarkable.’
“We’re in the position where it’s in our hands which is why I find the criticism a bit strange.”
Carver also dismissed suggestions Scotland’s fans were leading the calls for Clarke’s head.
He said: “Since I’ve come in I’ve not really seen the fans be critical of what Steve has tried to do, it’s come from you guys.
“There has been more pressure from the media guys but I think Steve is big enough and he can handle it and deal with it.
“The only real pressure I’ve seen is not from the public but from media guys. You might not like that but that’s just my honest opinion.”
Clarke has a full squad to choose from after the entire group reported to
Scotland’s Edinburgh HQ on Tuesday without a single injury call-off.
Carver insists that’s a reflection of the feelgood factor inside the camp.
He said: “When we got on the training ground to have every player there was good to see.
“I think that’s on the back of what we did in the summer. We got some momentum getting to the Euros and everybody wants to be a part of it.
“Once we got there and played against the sides we played against in that environment, everyone wants to be a part of it and wants a taste of it.
“We had a good training session today and everybody came off the pitch without any injuries, they were smiling, happy to be here.”
Clarke faces at least one big decision with Grant Hanley suspended for Saturday after picking up a second booking of the campaign in Vienna.
Carver said: “Grant was slightly unfortunate to get the booking but he did and we have to deal with it.
“We’ve got Scott McTominay, who can play in midfield or at the back, in the squad again.
“We’ve got Jack Hendry who’s just played against the best three players in the world, Neymar, Messi and Mbappe, and played really well.
“We’ve got others – Kieran Tierney, Liam Cooper, Scott McKenna – so we have players who are full of confidence.”