Carver has a vested interest in Fraser doing well for club and country
John Carver says Ryan Fraser’s fine form for Scotland can help keep Newcastle United in the Premier League.
A marquee free agency signing by the Magpies last summer, the 27-yearold has so far failed to make the anticipated impact.
Beset by minor injuries, he has made just eight starts in the league in this campaign.
However, having seen him shine for his country in the World Cup qualifiers, Carver – a former manager and lifetime supporter of the Tyneside club – is convinced he can now kick on.
“It’s amazing when you see the transformation in Ryan when he comes away with the national squad,” said Carver.
“Sometimes players get a bit of relief when they come away with us because they’ve been under so much pressure.
“Because Ryan plays at my club, we have a good relationship.
“I can relate to him. He is living in Tim Krul’s old house, and we talk about the city, the club, and the environment at Newcastle.
“And with Scotland, we just make him feel comfortable.
“He has had one or two issues with injuries, but it was great to see him come up here and look in great form.
“He has scored three goals in his last three games (against the Czech Republic, Israel and the Faroe Islands), but it was more about his contribution for the team.
“You talk about players enjoying being part of the national team now – and you can see that in Ryan’s face.
“You can see the emotion and delight, especially when he got his headed goal at the far post the other night.
“I’m hoping he takes that confidence that’s been developed with Scotland back to his club football because it could be vital in terms of keeping Newcastle in the Premier League.”
As the Geordie explains, the importance to his hometown of achieving that goal cannot be underestimated.
“The situation down there at the moment isn’t a nice one to be in,” Carver continued.
“We want them to stay in the Premier League but there is an awful lot of pressure involved in it.
“The pressures of being Newcastle United manager are extreme. I have been there.
“It is more extreme than most clubs in the country, so you have to be mentally strong to handle it.
“One of the toughest clubs to play for is Manchester United because you have to be on top every single week – no matter where you are in the world.
“But Newcastle can be just as difficult. It’s a one-club city, which is covered morning, noon and night by the media.
“There is a spotlight on it, and there’s expectation.
“We’ve had great times, like The Entertainers with Kevin Keegan, or in the Champions League with Sir Bobby Robson.
“So we have had a taste of that at Newcastle.”
Fraser’s headed goal in the 4-0 win against the Faroes was overshadowed on the night by the debut strike from Che Adams.
The Southampton striker was a surprise call-up for the World Cup qualifiers, and the Scotland coach advises he might not be the last.
“Che was a massive boost for us, and there might be one or two others that come from nowhere,” he said.
“They might be players from abroad, or England or Scotland, wherever it is,” he said.
“Yes, you have to be loyal. But you also have to pick the players who are in the best form, and who are available at the time to go to the tournament because we are not going to the Euros just to take part.
“Now we are there, we have got to be competitive. We have to give ourselves a chance to progress.
“So we are watching things very closely to see who is developing, and who is pushing through.
“There might be one or two who will push their head above the water over this period of time.”