Maybe not this time, but Doak will be a Scotsregular
Steve Clarke selected 28 players for his Euro 2024 squad and I was delighted to see Ben Doak’s name on the list.
It means Ben, and every other one of the national team hopefuls, will be given a chance to impress the Scotland manager in their training camp and two friendly games.
Steve will cut two players to meet the agreed number of 26 from Uefa. The final squad will be registered on June 7.
Steve said it means he will have two difficult conversations to inform guys they will not be going to Germany. That won’t be easy. But Steve will handle the situation sensitively and with professionalism.
We will see if Ben, just 18, makes the cut and I hope he does.
In the past 18 months, I’ve watched him play several games for Liverpool’s first team and in the Champions League youth games. He has always impressed me.
Ben is very quick, direct and skilful. He is also not averse to using either foot.
He always wants the ball and is good at decision making, whether it’s to take on a full-back or make a simple pass.
There is also variation in his game and can go down the wing or cut inside to really open up play.
Ben has so much to give and there is much, much still to come from him. That will be of great benefit to Liverpool and Scotland in the years to come.
If he makes it into the final squad then it will be a great credit to him. If he doesn’t then he can strive to be included in the squad when the World Cup qualifiers start in September.
Steve also opted to include the likes of Ryan Jack, James Forrest and Ross McCrorie. He has also gone with four keepers in Angus Gunn, Zander Clark, Craig Gordon and Liam Kelly.
Again, it could well be that he leaves a keeper behind and that would mean just one outfield player not being selected.
It’s no wonder Steve said last week that his head has been like a tumble dryer as he tries to process everything.
But it is a great privilege to be the Scotland manager and every person in the country will be behind Steve and the players when they kick-off against Germany on June 14.