The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
The Taylor-made manager
Greg Taylor feels his Scotland team-mates are beginning to fully appreciate the abilities of manager Steve Clarke.
Clarke endured a difficult start to international management with four consecutive defeats in games against Belgium and Russia after his opening win over Cyprus.
The former West Brom and Kilmarnock boss led Scotland another victory over the Cypriots on Saturday following last month’s 6-0 win over San Marino and Celtic left-back Taylor is seeing the same positive signs of progress that Clarke achieved more immediately at Rugby Park. He said: “I worked with the gaffer for two years before he took the job and I can’t sing his praises high enough. He’s a top manager and I think the boys are starting to slowly but surely see that.
“Winning games always helps. I said that when he first came in with Kilmarnock and I will say it now. That’s two on the bounce and we will hopefully go and get three and build for the play-offs in March.
“These two games are important. Obviously there have been a few calloffs, which hasn’t been ideal, but it’s up to the boys that are out there to take their chance.”