Boyd: Right man to lead nation

Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd has backed departing manager Steve Clarke to put uncommitted Scotland players in their place and lead the nation to a major tournament.

Boyd expects Clarke to approach the Scotland job with the same singleminded attitude that saw him achieve significant success at Rugby Park.

The 55-year-old was appointed head coach of the national team 24 hours after leading Killie to their highest league finish for 53 years and clinching European football for the first time in 18 years.

Boyd said: “When you look at what he’s done since he came through the door at Kilmarnock, it’s unbelievable.

“If you look at Sunday’s team, only Youssouf Mulumbu wasn’t at the club (when Clarke arrived). So he took a team from the bottom of the table to third inside 20 months.

“It shows you the improvement he’s made, in every single player at the club. Not only the players, everyone round about as well. He’s a professional.

“It’s a big blow for us at Kilmarnock, but if you put your Scotland hat on, for me it’s a fantastic appointment. It’s been too long since we made a major tournament, 1998 in France, but if Steve Clarke is given time, he will be the man to take us back, definitely.”

The 35-year-old added: “I’ve seen the way he works, there will be no players calling off, because you won’t be back.

“A lot of times players have had it too easy at international level. Now we have a manager who is strong, who won’t take any rubbish. If you don’t turn up, you won’t be at the next gathering.

“He knows what he wants and he will achieve that, I’m sure.”