Carver to join Scotland staff as Dyer steps back

FORMER Newcastle United caretaker John Carver is set to join the Scotland backroom team after Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer informed national team boss Steve Clarke he is unable to continue in his role.

Dyer’s team will have Betfred Cup group matches to take part during international breaks in October and November – and they will clash with Nations League games and the Euro 2020 play-offs.

Clarke is hopeful Carver will be brought on board as early as this week.

“I’ve had a good conversation with Alex,” he said. “The biggest factor is SPFL matches in the October and November international breaks.

“The League Cup section games will be on those dates so it is impossible for Alex to be with the national team in October or November. I discussed coming to this camp with him, but he said he wanted to stay at Kilmarnock and concentrate on the job in hand.

“I’m looking for a new assistant or a new coach to come in. I’ve spoken to John Carver, who I have known for a long, long time. He is out of work at the moment and is enthusiastic to come and join us.

“It’s been finalised that Alex won’t be there. Hopefully in the next couple of days I will secure John and he can come up and help us.”

Meanwhile, Clarke has expressed hope the Tartan Army can return to cheer on Scotland soon – but insisted playing games behind closed doors won’t impact on his side’s performances.

“For me it will be a new experience, but fortunately the players will be used to it and have had that experience of playing behind closed doors,” he said.

“We would love the Tartan Army, or part of the Tartan Army, to be there but it’s not possible.

“The times are unprecedented and you can’t sit here and moan about not getting people in the stadium when there is so much going on in the world just now.”