The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Algarve hero Gauld still in Clarke’s thoughts after impressive run of form
Scotland boss Steve Clarke admits uncapped Ryan Gauld is on his radar following a sensational promotion campaign.
Former Dundee United midfielder Gauld, 24, emerged as a talisman for Farense last term, bagging nine goals from midfield as the Algarve outfit sealed their place in the Primiera Liga.
Having finally found form and fitness in Portugal, Gauld is illustrating his undoubted potential and will be crossing swords with the likes of Porto and Benfica next term.
Clarke knows he faces a battle to break into an engine room which includes John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Callum McGregor, John Fleck and Kenny
McLean at international level – but is adamant the door is not closed.
Scotland resume action in September with Nations League encounters against Israel and Czech Republic.
Clarke told a Q&A with the Scotland Supporters Club: “I haven’t been across to Portugal to watch Ryan but I’ve picked up the reports from afar.
“I actually have a friend who has a property in the Algarve and has been to see Ryan play a couple of times. He says good things about him.
“We don’t forget about anybody, even though Ryan is a little further away.
“His talent was clear to see when he was at Dundee United and, while it has maybe taken him longer to get to the level he wants to be at, he is certainly there now.
“Hopefully he can continue to play well – and be another midfielder to add to the number of fantastic midfield players we have. Depth in that position is definitely not a problem.”
Meanwhile Coventry defender Michael Rose, 24, is another on Clarke’s radar. The player joined the Sky Blues from Ayr United last summer and enjoyed a sensational debut season in English football.
The defender, who came through the ranks at Aberdeen, helped Mark Robins’ men concede the fewest goals in League One on their way to the title.