KERR AIMS TO GLEAN THE SECRET OF STEVE’S SUCCESS

AS one of very few who knew exactly how Steve Clarke was feeling, Shelley Kerr certainly enjoyed seeing her close colleague’s efforts rewarded with success in Serbia last week. She also understands just how difficult life is going to get for the men’s national-team coach as those delayed Euro 2020 finals approach. Kerr was at the helm as Scotland’s women reached the World Cup in France last summer. Currently chasing a spot in the 2022 European Championships being hosted by England, with huge qualifiers against Portugal and Finland looming large, the head coach admitted to taking a welcome break from prep work last Thursday. Yet, asked just what Clarke can now expect as players clamour for places in his finals-bound squad, she put her coaching cap back on to explain: ‘I think you start to see the little percentage that people give. ‘I’m not saying they don’t give everything already. But it increases tenfold, because it’s such a massive thing. I have to say that Steve is going to have a massive headache when he comes round to the Euros and picking the squad. Because I can tell you that it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do as a manager.’

Kerr (below) hopes to ride the ‘euphoria’ created by the Scottish men ending their 22-year exile from a major finals — and carry the feelgood factor into her team’s vital clashes with Portugal and Finland. The head coach, able to recall a number of big names in the squad she announced yesterday, said: ‘I know, when Steve first came into the role, he was blown away by what the women’s team had done. ‘And it’s now our turn to look to the men’s team, see how they’ve qualified and maybe get some little secrets from him and how they’ve done it. The euphoria of Steve and his players qualifying gives the country such a massive boost. ‘Steve is quite a calming influence and sometimes he gives me words of wisdom. He texted me back after the game on Thursday night — and again last night, as well. You know, every game that Steve goes into, there are different challenges. We’re in constant communication, which I really like. ‘When I texted him before the game on Thursday, he’s very good at being calm. But I can understand exactly the euphoria when you achieve qualification, because the whole weight of the country is on your shoulders, as the head coach.’ Scotland play Portugal in Lisbon on November 27, with Finland at Easter Road to follow on December 1.