The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Clarke targeting run of wins before play-offs
Scotland boss demands 12 points from remaining four qualifiers
Scotland boss Steve Clarke insists there are no free hits for his side as he targets 12 points from their remaining Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Russia are the opposition in Moscow tonight and a bullish Clarke, who has already set the team the target of finishing in third place, will not be giving anyone a pass for the last four games.
Scotland have two wins from their six group games to date, beating San Marino away and then Cyprus at Hampden Park. However, they have lost both ties to Belgium, the home game against Russia and the 3-0 reverse in Kazakhstan.
Clarke has freshened up his squad but has also been hit by several withdrawals, with first Oli McBurnie and then Kenny McLean yesterday.
Centre-back Grant Hanley also dropped out of the squad along with Ryan Jack, prompting a call-up for Motherwell defender Declan Gallagher.
Momentum is vital for Clarke’s side in the bid to give themselves a running start for the Nations League play-offs at the start of next year. A positive result in the Russian capital tonight would be a good start.
Clarke said: “There are no free hits – I’d like 12 points from the remaining four games of this group.
“Yes, we know it’s going to be really tough here in Russia but there are no free hits all the same.
“We owe it to the 1,000 or so Tartan Army who have travelled here to watch us as well.
“We are looking to put on a good performance and hopefully take all three points back to Scotland.
“I want a good performance level in the next four matches.
“My belief is always if the performance level is good enough then the points will follow.”