Devlin insists Clarke needs time to work his Killie magic

Michael Devlin insists time can be the great healer for Scotland as they continue to get to grips with Steve Clarke’s tactics.

The former Kilmarnock boss was appointed on the strength of his 19-month stint in charge at Rugby Park.

But the system that led the Ayrshire outfit to a thirdplace finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership last season – their highest since 1967 – was built upon hour after hour of meticulous work on the training ground.

Clarke, however, does not have that luxury in his new role and the limited contact he has with his players has been apparent through a run of just two wins from his first six games in charge.

But Aberdeen defender Devlin is adamant this week’s Euro 2020 qualifying dead-rubbers with Cyprus and Kazakhstan and the time Clarke has to spend with his injury-hit squad will be vital as the boss aims to drill in his masterplan for March’s Nations League play-offs.

“In comparison to what a club manager gets, Steve here has probably had two two-week blocks to work with a squad,” said Devlin.

“In a pre-season alone a club manager would have had far more time to work with his squad.

“We need to recognise that there is a limited amount of time but that’s also where we are lucky to have a top manager who can get his point across, is eloquent and very direct in what he wants.

“The more time we get, the more squads there are then hopefully we’ll see improvement.”

Clarke’s preparations for the upcoming double-header have been struck by a raft of call-offs.

Skipper Andy Robertson has joined Manchester United midfielder Scott Mctominay, Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser and Leeds defender Liam Cooper on the casualty list.

Michael Devlin says boss needs time to get his ideas across.