The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
McCann’s progress no surprise to Saints boss
Callum Davidson wasn’t surprised to see his young St Johnstone star, Ali McCann, make a seamless transition from club to international football.
But that doesn’ t take away from the enormity of the midfielder ’s achievement in breaking through with Northern Ireland at the age of just 20.
Davidson believes McCann’s weekend debut against Austria showed he is already a “proper international player.”
All the hallmarks of his game were on show. And the more caps McCann gets, the better he’ll become for Saints.
“I watched Ali’s game on Sunday and thought he was really good,” said Davidson.
“The biggest thing you can say is that he didn’t look out of place. He was up against very good opposition and looked a proper international player.
“His movement, his athleticism and his composure on the ball was there for all to see. “He’s only 20. “People sometimes forget how young he is because he’s made such an impact for us.
“So to get your first international cap at that age and do so well, it’s great for him. He will have learned from playing alongside Paddy McNair and will only get better from it.”
Northern Ireland are back in action tonight when they host Romania in the Nations League.
Gareth Bale has expressed concerns over catching Covid-19 after playing for Wales against Republic of Ireland opponents who subsequently tested positive.
Bale’s Tottenham teammate Matt Doherty and Stoke midfielder James McC lean both tested positive after Wales’ 1-0 Nations League win in Cardiff on Sunday.
But Bale said the Football Association of Wales, which reported that ever y one of its players had tested negative after the Ireland game and is available to play against Finland today, has done a “fantastic job”.
Wales have not returned a positive test in three international camps during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s a slight concern for everyone when you have been playing someone (who has tested positive) and in close contact on the field, but maybe not long enough to catch it,” Bale said ahead of today’s Nations League promotion decider against Finland.
“Obviously you’re a bit wary, but it is good news that everyone has come back and tested negative and now we can concentrate on the game.
“Me and Ben (Davies) spoke to him (Doherty) briefly and I think he is doing fine, he’s got mild symptoms.”
Wales are a point clear of second-placed Finland in Group B4 and a draw will be enough to see them join Europe’s elite in the next edition of the Nations League.
“It’s a massive game for us,” Bale said. “To win the group and get promoted is something we set out to do at the start.”
● England boss Gareth South gate says Jack Grealish can thrive under the pressure of expectation.
The Aston Villa midfielder earned the plaudits for his display in Sunday’ s defeat to Belgium and he looks set to become an integral part of the Three Lions squad in the future.
Southgate said ahead of today’s Nations League dead-rubber against Iceland: “That is always important with any player. We are going to succeed or fail as a team and it is for everybody to contribute.
“We have tried to ensure right the way through the last four years that it is collective expectation, we couldn’t put all the pressure on Harry Kane, we couldn’t put the pressure on Raheem ( Sterling) or other players.
“We have to make sure that is the same with Jack. He has had a super start to his international career, I think he will be able to handle the attention, he thrives under pressure.
“He has got great courage with the ball so I don’t think it will phase him. Equally it is going to be the squad and team that brings us success as a collective.”
Northern Ireland will go into today’s Nations League clash against Romania short on numbers, with Ian Bar ac lough’ ssqu ad reduced to 20 by the withdrawals of Steven Davis, Kyle Lafferty and Jordan Thompson yesterday, adding to the earlier exits of Niall McG inn and George Saville.
Davis has withdrawn for personal reasons.