Humble young Scots have been impressing ex-england man Richards
Steve Clarke broke his lockdown silence last weekend with a positive outlook for Scotland’s international future.
His optimism has been backed by former England internationalist, Micah Richards.
After winning the league title and FA Cup with Manchester City, his career was cut short last year when he left Aston Villa after persistent knee problems.
The 31-year-old is now carving out a career in the media and, a keen student of the English Premier League, he sees no reason why Clarke’s side cannot end years in the wilderness and be at the European Championship Finals next summer. Richards (inset) told The Sunday Post: “There is some excellent Scottish talent playing in England, and a few of them really excite me.
“They are controlling games, taking them the by the scruff of the neck, and having a positive impact, week after week.
“It’s not like the Scots are coming off the bench and getting 10 minutes here and there.
“Take John Mcginn. He is an outstanding player. I was with Aston Villa when he was signed from Hibs, and could see he pretty much has it all. He can go all the way to the very top.
“He can play with either foot, likes to drive and dribble, is energetic and can pick a pass. He really knows how to fire up the engine room in any team.
“I could also see the way he retained information and coaching instructions from the Villa staff. He only needs to be told once.
“Ask any coach, and they’ll tell you it’s brilliant to have a player on that wavelength. It makes their job so much easier. “Then I look at the emergence of young Billy Gilmour at Chelsea.
“What an entrance he has had into English football. He looks like he has the talent to go all the way. “He is brave on the ball, and loves to lift his head and pick out a team-mate, whether it’s with a shortand-sharp 10 yard pass, or switching the play with a 30-yard ball.
“Steve Clarke has yet to include him in his senior
Chelsea’s
Billy Gilmour squad, but there is no rush. However, I think we would all probably expect that to happen at some stage in 2020. “Scott Mctominay has also caught my eye. He is tall and powerful, but he is also elegant on the ball. He is really important to the way Manchester United play.
“John Fleck has also been brilliant for Sheffield United. He has matured very well and, like the rest of the Sheffield United team, hasn’t had any problem making an impact at the highest level.
“Of course, in Andy Robertson, you have one of the best full-backs in Europe. He has performed to a consistently-high level for more than two years at Liverpool.
“As a former full-back myself, I have total admiration for him. To play more than 50 games a season and be so influential every week is very special. His cross balls are terrific. “He cost Liverpool less than £10-million from Hull City – and what a bargain that has turned out to be. He is a good captain and leader for his country. “Kieran Tierney has been unlucky with injury since his move last summer to Arsenal from Celtic.
“I saw him play for Celtic in the Champions League, and in the few games he has had for Arsenal, and there is no doubt that he is of the highest quality.
“I’ve spoken to people who have coached him and played with him, and they rave about the standard of his game.
“He plays at left-back, like Robertson, and it will be interesting to see what Steve Clarke does.
“But managers usually try to find a way to have their top players in the team, even if one of them has to play out of their best position.
“Steve will have ideas, but he will also be frustrated that he hasn’t had a chance to try them out, given there’s been no international football since last November.
“We are not sure when it will definitely return, so Steve – and every other international boss – will need to be patient.
“But I’m certain that when it does return, Scotland will be ready to get through to the Euro Finals.
“Steve knows the game inside out, and is an extremely astute tactician. “He has coached with some of the biggest teams in Europe, and been side by side with some of the best managers in the business.
“So there should be a quiet confidence that Scotland will beat Israel, and Steve and his players are capable of winning the Playoff Final away to either Norway or Serbia. “I’d like to see Scotland there.
“I know John Mcginn well, and have seen the other lads being interviewed.
“They all appear very humble, and that is so important and such a nice quality.”
Top Scots – (from left) John Fleck, Scott Mctominay, Kieren Tierney and Andy Robertson