Scotland must get it right quickly
Scotland must "get it right pretty quickly" after being booed off for conceding three goals for the second consecutive game at Hampden, says captain Andy Robertson.Steve Clarke's side delivered a performance that veered from chaotic to meek in losing 3-1 in a friendly against Iceland.It follows the abject 3-0 home loss to Greece in the Nations League play-off in March, and leaves a cloud over Clarke and his players before World Cup qualifying starts in September."I think we all know that's nowhere near good enough," Liverpool's Robertson told BBC Scotland immediately after full-time. "I don't want to say too much - we need to digest this and speak in the changing room before we start doing interviews."But I think we were too easily played through - any chance they had, they scored. We weren't good enough on the ball. We created chances but didn't take them. We were just nowhere near good enough."I don't think you can put a finger on one thing but we need to get it right pretty quickly."More to follow.
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Glasgow Times
25 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
No quick fix to Scotland's keeper conundrum, admits boss Steve Clarke
With regular starter Craig Gordon injured, along with the recently-capped Zander Clark and Liam Kelly, Clarke was relieved to be able to call on the fit-again Angus Gunn for his June squad. But 22-year-old Cieran Slicker was thrust into an unexpected debut against Iceland on Friday night after Gunn was hit with an ankle injury in the opening stages, Kilmarnock's Robby McCrorie having suffered a thigh problem in the warm-up. Angus Gunn was forced off injured early on against Iceland (Andrew Milligan/PA). The Ipswich keeper had only played six first-team matches and struggled with the occasion. He conceded almost immediately, after losing possession himself, and his kicking got worse before it got better. Slicker conceded two more soft goals after John Souttar's equaliser and it made for painful viewing to see the inexperienced keeper struggle to deal with what should have been a memorable experience turning into a personal nightmare. Clarke had brought 18-year-old Callan McKenna into the training squad in midweek with an eye on the future after expressing concern in recent months that the long-term future of the goalkeeping department had been neglected somewhat. McKenna moved from Queen's Park to Bournemouth in February 2024 after playing nine first-team games for the Spiders. The position has been one of Scotland's strengths for many years, with Gordon and the now retired David Marshall and Allan McGregor all vying for the gloves. Gordon, now 42, is one of the few Scottish first-choice keepers in the William Hill Premiership and he and Clark have swapped that status in recent seasons with Hearts. Clarke signalled he would seek to find available keepers who were not on holiday before Scotland leave for Vaduz on Sunday. His choices in Scotland's top flight are limited to players that do not regularly play. Ross Doohan has been Aberdeen's second-choice keeper this season, although he played 18 times because of injuries to Bulgaria international Dimitar Mitov. Doohan has been tipped to move to Celtic to replace Scott Bain as third choice following the former Dundee keeper's move to Falkirk. The 33-year-old did not play this season but does have three caps. Dundee's Jon McCracken and Ross County's Ross Laidlaw are also potential options, but both have been on the bench in recent months. Clarke said: 'It's a circumstance that I pointed out in March. I could see something like this possibly coming. 'The good thing, or the only crumb of comfort to take from it, is it happened in a friendly match. 'We'll be better covered when it comes to the autumn. 'It's pretty unusual to have five first choice all struggling with injury, all out. Not everybody plays regularly at their club. FULL TIME: Scotland 1-3 Iceland. Tonight's match ends in defeat at Hampden.#SCOISL — Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 6, 2025 'It's something that we have to address and something we have to look at. It's not going to change in a click of a finger. It's not going to change quickly. 'It's more for the long term and probably for the next head coach and the next head coach after that.' Amid the goalkeeping drama, Scotland delivered another poor performance to leave them with just one win in their last nine home matches, the previous one a 3-0 defeat by Greece in the Nations League play-offs. 'Obviously, the last two results have been really disappointing here at Hampden,' said Clarke, who could lose Scott McTominay to a knee injury for Monday's game. 'We've got a lot of work to do.'
Scottish Sun
29 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Liverpool and Premier League talent guru Malcolm Elias who was behind rise of Trent Alexander and Gareth Bale dies
Elias had an impact on some of the Premier League's best youngsters LOST ICON Ex-Liverpool and Premier League talent guru Malcolm Elias who was behind rise of Trent Alexander and Gareth Bale dies FORMER Premier League talent spotter and academy recruitment expert Malcolm Elias has passed away aged 71, it has been announced. Fulham FC confirmed Elias' passing in a statement on social media. 1 Malcom Elias has passed away Credit: Fulham FC The post read: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Malcolm Elias, after a short illness. "The Club's Head of Academy Recruitment, Malcolm had a fantastic reputation in football for unearthing and nurturing young talent. "A proud Welshman, Malcolm was approaching his 16th anniversary at Craven Cottage this summer, having joined us from Liverpool in July 2009, while he also previously enjoyed a highly successful spell at Southampton alongside future Fulham colleagues Huw Jennings and Steve Wigley. "The influence that Malcolm had on the modern game cannot be understated, having worked with and developed the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Luke Harris and Jay Stansfield, to name but a few. "A hugely popular figure around the training ground, Malcolm will be sorely missed by all who knew him. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paula - Malcolm's ever devoted and endlessly supportive wife of nearly 50 years - his sons Andrew and Daniel, his six beloved grandchildren, as well as his additional family and friends." Elias was always highly respected within football, having helped to identify and nurture some of the Premier League's best young talents. The academy recruitment expert previously worked with Liverpool before joining Fulham in 2009 - helping the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott get their breakthroughs. Prior to his time on Merseyside Elias worked with Southampton, where he had an impact on the early emergence of the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale. Tributes for the iconic figure have started pouring in as the football world mourns the loss. QPR posted: "We're so sorry for your loss. "Sending sincere condolences to Malcolm's loved ones and all at Fulham." While Oxford United, where Elias worked as an Academy Manager in the 1980s, posted: "Oxford United were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Malcolm Elias. "A former teacher in Blackbird Leys, Malcolm began working at United in the 80's as an Academy Manager. "A much loved person and coach at the Club for more than a decade, Malcolm is an integral part of the Club's history, helping bring through talents such as Joey Beauchamp. "Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time. RIP." MORE TO FOLLOW... THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
The Sun
29 minutes ago
- The Sun
Ex-Liverpool and Premier League talent guru Malcolm Elias who was behind rise of Trent Alexander and Gareth Bale dies
FORMER Premier League talent spotter and academy recruitment expert Malcolm Elias has passed away aged 71, it has been announced. Fulham FC confirmed Elias' passing in a statement on social media. 1 The post read: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Malcolm Elias, after a short illness. "The Club's Head of Academy Recruitment, Malcolm had a fantastic reputation in football for unearthing and nurturing young talent. "A proud Welshman, Malcolm was approaching his 16th anniversary at Craven Cottage this summer, having joined us from Liverpool in July 2009, while he also previously enjoyed a highly successful spell at Southampton alongside future Fulham colleagues Huw Jennings and Steve Wigley. "The influence that Malcolm had on the modern game cannot be understated, having worked with and developed the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Luke Harris and Jay Stansfield, to name but a few. "A hugely popular figure around the training ground, Malcolm will be sorely missed by all who knew him. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paula - Malcolm's ever devoted and endlessly supportive wife of nearly 50 years - his sons Andrew and Daniel, his six beloved grandchildren, as well as his additional family and friends." Elias was always highly respected within football, having helped to identify and nurture some of the Premier League's best young talents. The academy recruitment expert previously worked with Liverpool before joining Fulham in 2009 - helping the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott get their breakthroughs. Prior to his time on Merseyside Elias worked with Southampton, where he had an impact on the early emergence of the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale. Tributes for the iconic figure have started pouring in as the football world mourns the loss. QPR posted: "We're so sorry for your loss. "Sending sincere condolences to Malcolm's loved ones and all at Fulham." While Oxford United, where Elias worked as an Academy Manager in the 1980s, posted: "Oxford United were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Malcolm Elias. "A former teacher in Blackbird Leys, Malcolm began working at United in the 80's as an Academy Manager. "A much loved person and coach at the Club for more than a decade, Malcolm is an integral part of the Club's history, helping bring through talents such as Joey Beauchamp. "Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time. RIP." THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
