We just need a bit more belief – and a couple of gems
John Carver says Scotland a re strong enough to qualify for all the major Finals – but the players have to believe it themselves.
The former Newcastle United caretaker manager was reflecting on the back- to- back defeats from Slovakia and Israel, which he believes provided a“reality check” for a country still pinching itself to be sure the wait to qualify for a major Finals was at last over.
“It is true there was a bit of a comedown after the euphoria against Serbia, but the players are human beings and that can happen,” said Steve Clarke’s assistant.
“Take Liverpool as an example. They won the title for the first time in 30 years – and then went and lost to Manchester City. It happens.
“But the way the Scotland players applied themselves for the two games was the way we asked them to.
“When we came in after Israel – a game we had dominated and created loads of chances in – there was a huge disappointment in the dressing- room because we have gone a long journey.
“It started before I came in, and we have gone a long, long way to set a high standard. But you have to maintain that standard.
“We all talk about Scotland needing to be at major tournaments. We need to be competing at major tournaments.
“This squad is good enough to do that. If they believe, they are good enough to do that.
“Listen, I have had calls from all over the world with people so pleased Scotland have qualified – Stevie Nicol in America, Mo Johnston in Florida, Ally Mccoist – you name it.
“This should happen ever y two years. We should qualify ever y two years.
“There is no reason why we can’t do that, but we have to continue.
“The age of the group is such that they can do it in the next two years, four years, six years. But we also need to find some gems.
“Steve talked about creating a club mentality. Well, let me tell you, this group has a club mentality.
“Everyone is together. You haven’t got your Rangers or Celtic cliques, or all the guys from the big English clubs sitting together.
“There are all these players and they are united, and this is why the nation has to be united behind them.
“Don’t settle for what we have done already. Keep pushing forward to achieve more.”