STEVE Clarke admits Scotland’s dispiriting Nations League defeat by Republic of Ireland was “a little bit of a head scratcher” as he tries to lift the mood.
The Tartan Army had hoped the 2-0 home win over Tuesday’s opponents in their opening Group B1 game had got Scotland back on track following their World Cup play-off loss to Ukraine, but it was a comfortable 3-0 win for the Irish on Saturday.
When facing the press, Clarke initially responded to a question about Scotland’s performance in Dublin by saying: “Ireland played better on the day”.
And when asked later why the performance had gone backwards from the Armenia game, he said: “The million dollar question, I don’t know.
“Football is a strange game at times.
“Sometime you get a result that you don’t really expect.
“Probably the reaction to the game on Saturday is as much a case of, ‘where did that come from?’
“It was a little bit of a head scratcher.
“Obviously disappointing on Saturday. We will focus on the future now.
“As we always do we will get together as a group, speak about things, show some things on video and try to get them on the training pitch and moving so it doesn’t happen again.”
The former West Brom and Kilmarnock boss was also questioned about the criticism he and his team received after the defeat in Dublin and against Ukraine.
He said: “People can write and say what they want. There is nothing I can do to control that, the most important thing is what we do next.”
Some pundits are not keen on the Europa League but Clarke says all games matter.
He said: “There is pressure on every game in football when you are representing your country. There is pressure in every game in football.
“It is always nice when you win. Everyone always feels a little bit better when you win.”
Meanwhile, Kerr McInroy will join Kilmarnock at the end of his contract with Celtic, pending Scottish FA approval.
The 21-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year deal and becomes Killie’s second signing of the summer window following the recruitment of Alan Power.
McInroy impressed during loan spells with Airdrieonians and Ayr United during 2021-22 and said: “I’m delighted to be here and buzzing to get the deal done in time for pre-season starting, so I’m looking forward to getting going with the boys.
“I wanted to go to a club that wanted me and play at the highest level possible.
“I spoke to the manager and he really wanted to get me in so that had a big helping hand in my decision.”