Stand behind Steve
Ex-Wishaw star calls for Scots boss support
Scotland defender Stephen O’Donnell has called for the Tartan Army to give boss Steve Clarke time ahead of the next round of Euro 2020 qualifiers.
The ex-Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers is hoping Clarke will receive backing from Scots as they gear up for the double-header against Russia and San Marino this week.
The squad will travel to Moscow ahead of the first tie tomorrow, before minnows San Marino arrive in Glasgow on Sunday.
The Kilmarnock rightback was keen to cause an upset at the Luzhniki Stadium – having taken responsibility for the heartbreaking loss to the Russians at Hampden last month.
However, he said the most important thing was adjusting to the former Rugby Park gaffer’s way of playing before the play-off games which the side earned through the Nations League rather than points.
The 27-year-old hoped that the country would rally behind the team and Clarke this week despite just one win from his opening four games.
“No matter how previous games go you are always looking to put any wrongs right,” said O’Donnell.
“You want to continue to improve on the best parts of your game, that will be no different if I’m given the chance to play against Russia.
“It’s always the aim when playing with a new manager to put his style in place.
“When you have lots of players playing different styles at club level it makes it more difficult, but certainly what we are hoping to achieve it by the end of the group.
“You only get four or five sessions every couple of months it makes it very difficult and patience is needed.”
He added: “It’s obviously very important to get as many wins as possible and especially at home.
“Hopefully the San Marino game will be a good opportunity to do so.”