Smith out to stake Scots squad claim

THE clock is ticking but Liam Smith knows there may be just enough time to stake a late claim for Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad.

At best, there are a handful of places up for grabs in Steve Clarke’s squad and Smith happens to operate in an area of the field where Scotland are not overendowed with high-class established options.

The national coach is blessed with a multitude of left-sided options but right-back remains an area of relative concern. Stephen O’Donnell is the man currently in possession but has this season been operating on short-term contracts for a struggling Motherwell team.

Liam Palmer is the other regular squad member but has endured a troubled time at Sheffield Wednesday.

Dundee United full-back Smith, who will have a chance to shine against Celtic today, reasons that if St Johnstone’s Betfred Cup final hero Shaun Rooney and even Livingston’s in-form Nicky Devlin can be quoted as contenders, then so might he.

‘If these boys are in the conversation, then I don’t see why mine shouldn’t also,’ he says. ‘Looking at the league table, we’re challenging for sixth and I feel I’m playing consistently every week.

‘It’s probably Stephen O’Donnell’s jersey to lose and rightfully so because he’s performed well.

‘But if you want to have aspirations you have to look and compare yourself against him and look to challenge him.

‘It’s in my head and probably other Scottish rightbacks. Shaun Rooney fully grabbed his opportunity last weekend with his performance in the League

Cup final. When the game is on the telly, it’s a chance to show what you can do.’