Clarke must keep it simple

● Former national coach Brown’s advice for new Dark Blues boss

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown believes keeping it simple will be the key to Steve Clarke being a successful Scotland boss.

Clarke was yesterday named as Alex McLeish’s successor as head coach of the Scottish national team with his excellent work with Kilmarnock helping him earn his first national team position.

Brown is thrilled Clarke, whose performances with Killie ensured they pipped Aberdeen to third place in the Scottish Premiership Sunday, has been given the job and insists the key to his tenure being a successful one is not changing the qualities which have resulted in him being appointed.

Brown said: “I was at five major tournaments in 12 years. We haven’t been for a long time but I think Steve Clarke can turn the corner with us. If he can repeat what he has done for Kilmarnock the country will be delighted.

“Prior to coming to Kilmarnock Steve had a very good pedigree and he is a fine appointment.

“You can transfer the

same skills in management from club to country and I’m sure Steve will do that. His organisation is very basic but very thorough and when you get international players for short spells you don’t want to be too complicated, you want to be organised and thorough.”

Brown was the last man to lead the Scottish men’s team to the finals of a major tournament, guiding the nation to the World Cup finals in France in 1998. He would love nothing better than to see Clarke end his unwelcome tag by guiding the country to a major tournament final again but knows the new boss faces a daunting task due to the lack of quality he has to choose from.

Brown said: “I don’t wish to be conceited but the players were nothing like the players I had. I had three from Blackburn Rovers, who were the champions of England and Scottish clubs were reaching European finals.

“I like Steve very much as a person. He is straightforward and honest. “Everyone in the country respects him greatly and he will be a very popular appointment.”

West Brom, Reading, Aston Villa (caretaker), Kilmarnock

PFA Scotland manager of the year 18-19, SFWA manager of the year 17-18 and 18-19, Scottish Premiership manager of the month x3

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Steve Clarke is to lead Scotland on the back of his good work with Kilmarnock