The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ukraine ready for us despite war, says Clarke
Steve Clarke expects Ukraine’s players to be fully prepared for their World Cup play-off against Scotland, despite the impact of the war which has erupted in their homeland over the past three months.
The two nations meet on Wednesday June 1, in a rescheduled semi-final showdown due to be played in March before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Oleksandr Petrakov and his players have been working at a training camp in Slovenia for the past few weeks and Scotland boss Clarke believes they will arrive in Glasgow equipped to try to secure a place at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
“We all understand and respect the position of the Ukrainian team,” said the manager, acknowledging the sensitive backdrop to the fixture. “Fortunately for them they’ve managed to get out of the country and get their players into a training camp.
“They’ve been playing matches and they’ll be ready for the game.
“The most important thing for me as the Scotland head coach is to make sure we’re ready for the game and we will be ready. Both teams will be ready to go on June 1.”
When the war began there were doubts about whether Ukraine would be able to fulfil the fixture, but Clarke is delighted they have been able to get themselves into a position where they can have a fair shot at qualification.
“It’s good that it’s going ahead,” he said. “It’s been a long wait since November when we found out who we were playing.
“Obviously, circumstances have changed for the Ukrainian team but I’m pleased they’ve got the opportunity to come out and play for their country. They’ll want to represent their country well and we’re no different.”
Apart from the absence of injured duo Kenny Mclean and Kieran Tierney, Clarke’s squad has a familiar look to it. He is hoping the sense of continuity can help the team maintain momentum.
“We’re eight games unbeaten,” he said. “We’ve done pretty well since last summer.
“We’re in a good place. I’ve gone pretty much same again (personnel-wise). I’ve added one or two in but nothing new, there are no shocks.
“Everybody that comes in knows what to expect. I know what to expect from them and they know what to expect from me so hopefully we just pick up
where we left off in March and keep that unbeaten run going for two more games at least.”
Clarke revealed Nathan Patterson is a doubt for the Ukraine clash.
The Everton full-back has been included in a 28man squad for the World
Cup play-offs plus three Nations League fixtures despite being sidelined since April following ankle surgery.
Patterson is on the recovery trail and will be ready to play some part in Scotland’s fixtures next month, but manager Clarke admitted he may not be available in time for the Hampden clash with Ukraine on June 1.
“I think at some stage over the four, or hopefully five, matches Nathan will be fit to play,” he said. “His return to play is imminent and it will just come down to match fitness.
“I would put him down as doubtful for the Ukraine game.”
Arsenal defender Tierney has not been included in the squad after undergoing knee surgery early in April.
“Probably for everybody just getting the news today it is a blow, but myself and my staff have known for a little while that Kieran won’t be ready for these games,” said Clarke.
Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour has been selected after missing the final game of his loan spell at Norwich with a minor injury, but his Carrow Road colleague Kenny Mclean has not made it.
Centre-backs John Souttar and Liam Cooper are back in the squad following injury, while Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey and Sunderland striker Ross Stewart retain their places following their first call-ups in March.
Scotland host Ukraine with Wales awaiting the winners four days later.
They also have two games against Armenia either side of a trip to Dublin to face the Republic of Ireland in their opening Uefa Nations League encounters.
Hearts centre-back Souttar returned from ankle surgery in his club’s final two games of the season against Rangers, whom he will join in the coming weeks.
Cooper missed four months of the season with a hamstring injury but played six games in the run-in as Leeds preserved their Premier League status.
Stephen O’donnell and Anthony Ralston, plus leftback Hickey, are options for the right wing-back slot if Patterson is not ready for the Ukraine game.
Celtic midfielder David Turnbull returns after missing the first few months of 2022 with a hamstring injury
Clarke has named four goalkeepers – Craig Gordon, David Marshall, Liam Kelly and Zander Clark.