Clarke call-up a breeze for Gallagher, says Lasley
MOTHERWELL assistant manager Keith Lasley has backed Declan Gallagher to take his Scotland call-up in his stride.
Well defender Gallagher has been drafted into Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s squad for the Euro 2020 double header with Russia and San Marino after injury ruled out Norwich stopper Grant Hanley.
Lasley and Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson had been touting Gallagher for a call-up after his impressive displays for the Premiership’s third-placed team following his summer move from Livingston.
And Lasley believes the 28-year-old has the mental strength to cope with pressure of starring for the national team.
Lasley said: “It’s fantastic Declan’s been called up and that’s testament to the consistency he’s shown since coming to the club. He’s made such an impact for us, not just on the park but at the club in general.
“He’s got leadership qualities and is a big part of the dressing room. With his performances on the pitch he’s been one of the more consistent performers in the league in that position.
“I’m delighted he’s been called up, I think it’s deserved and hopefully it’s the start of something for Declan and he’ll have time to build on this and keep pushing on.
“He’ll take it in his stride. International football brings its own challenges and pressures in terms of the stage you are playing on but Declan is someone who is mentally very strong and someone who can handle the scrutiny.
“You see that in the way he plays and how he handles that pressure on the pitch. I think he’s well suited to making this step up to international level and hopefully he’ll get the opportunity to play.”
Lasley insist there is huge pride within the Fir Park outfit at Gallagher’s call-up and hopes others will follow his path into Clarke’s squad.
He said: “It’s great for the club to get that recognition. We’ve had a decent start to the season and Declan would be the first to say it’s been a real team-effort so far.
“There is a sense of satisfaction as a club that our players are being rewarded for their hard work.
“We think there is more to come, not just from Declan but from others in the squad as well and hopefully we can build on this and hopefully push other players forward to the international stage.”