Scotland fans entitled to boo us, says Souttar
John Souttar said Scotland fans were entitled to boo off the side after a "poor" all-round display in the 3-1 home defeat to Iceland.The Rangers centre-back's header levelled the friendly match at Hampden, but an abject performance from Steve Clarke's men resulted in a sobering loss.A number of the near 33,000 crowd launched into boos on both the half-time and full-time whistles.Goalkeeper Cieran Slicker endured a nightmare debut after replacing the injured Angus Gunn in the opening stages, but many of the Scotland team failed to reach their standards and Souttar preferred to focus on the general display."Look, the result was collective," said the defender. "I don't think any of us could say we were great in the game. So it's on all of us. Everyone's got to take responsibility"It was the exact opposite of what we wanted to happen. We wanted to start the game fast, press high, dominate the ball, and I think we were poor."Games like this at Hampden, we want to dominate, we want to press high and get the crowd on our side and we didn't do that."You don't want to be part of that, but the fans have paid their money and they can boo if they want."When we win, they're behind us so it's part and parcel of football."
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Scottish Sun
24 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
My stars were hurt & angry after Iceland shock – I trust them to put on a show in World Cup qualifiers says Steve Clarke
He handed a number of players their debuts this international break 11 ANGRY MEN My stars were hurt & angry after Iceland shock – I trust them to put on a show in World Cup qualifiers says Steve Clarke STEVE CLARKE praised his ANGRY men as Scotland took their frustration out on Liechtenstein. Clarke said his side had a point to prove after Friday's dismal loss to Iceland at Hampden. Advertisement 3 Scotland stars before kick-off in Vaduz Credit: SNS 3 Steve Clarke during the friendly fixture Credit: Getty Che Adams' hat-trick and George Hirst's first Scotland goal ensured there would be no more misery for the Tartan Army in Vaduz. Clarke said: 'There was a lot of hurt and anger in the dressing-room after Friday and hopefully we can harness that going into the autumn games. 'They knew that they'd let themselves down in the previous match. 'Getting the early goal made it more comfortable and it was nice to build on that with another three goals. Advertisement 'Teams maybe come here and win but not too many come and score four goals. So that's nice.' Clarke believes his side are ready to face Denmark and Greece in the World Cup qualifiers which begin in Copenhagen on September 5. He added: 'Look at the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain. 'The best two teams in Europe competing in a final - but we have shown we can compete. Advertisement 'In recent times, this Scotland team has shown how competitive they can be against that kind of side. 'What we have to do is make sure when it comes to the qualifiers that we are very competitive again. Scotland boss Steve Clarke reflects on shock Nations League defeat to Greece 'This game wasn't about a feelgood factor because it's still a disappointing camp as we lost the home game. 'I am certainly going to carry that into the summer. Advertisement 'But I know my players and I trust them. 'They have always shown resilience when they've had to bounce back. 'These games have no bearing on later in the year but it's nice to get the win. 'Liechtenstein defended well, mainly because we dominated the ball in possession.' Advertisement Clarke handed Ross Doohan his debut after his late call-up to the squad, with youngsters Cieran Slicker and Callan McKenna staying on the bench. Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller was also given his first start and impressed alongside birthday boy Billy Gilmour - 24 on Wednesday - in midfield. Clarke side: 'We saw his experience, with the many clubs where he's already played, he showed a high performance today. 3 Lennon Miller during the game against Liechtenstein Credit: SNS Advertisement 'Lennon played well with Billy and they moved the ball well on a sticky pitch. 'I thought we were good in midfield. 'It wasn't easy to pass the ball because the pitch was a bit sticky but both of them were at it. 'We know what Lennon can do, he's a big prospect for us. It's nice to get these players on the pitch at an early age where you can start to give them international experience. Advertisement 'It's all about building the squad for the future. 'We have the boys we rely on now but you look at the team that finished the game and there were a lot of inexperienced players at this level. 'Hopefully in the coming years, they pick up more caps.' Clarke will now begin the search for a new number two with long-serving assistant John Carver stepping down to concentrate on his post at Pole Lechia Gdansk. Advertisement He took a bow before the Tartan Army after the victory in Vaduz. Clarke said: 'John's wave goodbye to the crowd was probably a giveaway. 'He's leaving, he's got a three-year contract in Gdansk. 'He's been a fantastic assistant to me. Advertisement 'When I approached John five years ago to come and help us, I didn't think we'd have him that long because he's such a talented coach. 'We came across each other way back in 1998 at Newcastle when I was a young coach and John was an even younger coach. 'He was looking after the younger players at Newcastle. 'We always said that we'd try and work together and it took us a long time to get there. Advertisement 'He's been outstanding for us and the only surprise to me is that it's taken five years for somebody to take him off me. 'We're pleased he's been here with us for so long and we wish him all the best in Gdansk. How they rated Ross Doohan - Scotland debut after dashing from a beach in Turkey over the weekend to answer Steve Clarke's keeper SOS. Could have played with his flip flops on. A trouble-free first cap 7 Anthony Ralston - Replaced Max Johnston to win his 21st cap and tasked with working the right-hand side along with Lewis Ferguson as Scotland tried to pick as many holes in the Liechtenstein defence 7 Scott McKenna - Not much to worry about defensively so biggest role came as someone Scotland tried to hit at corners. Nearly set up Jack Hendry in the first half but his partner nodded over 7 Jack Hendry - Comfort on the ball and range of passing helped the team build from the back and keep so much pressure on for the duration of the game. Rarely troubled in a defensive sense 7 Andy Robertson - Didn't have too much to worry about on the defensive side so was able to get high up the pitch and help John McGinn. Combined well with the Aston Villa star 6 Lennon Miller - Set up Adams' second with his pressing and stamped his authority on the entire game. Has a huge future ahead of him for the national team. First start of many 8 Billy Gilmour - Controlled the game from the middle of the park, knitting everything together between the defenders and attacking players. Just oozes class on the ball and makes the side tick 7 John McGinn - Wide left so dovetailed with Andy Robertson well down that flank. Denied a goal by a good first-half save from goalie Benjamin Buchel. Shot off the post just before the third 6 Lewis Ferguson - Deployed on the right-hand side of midfield and played a key role in keeping the Liechtensteiners penned in for most of the contest. A solid display from the Bologna man 7 George Hirst - Denied several times against Iceland but finally got off the mark with a neat back post finish early in the second half. Shown enough to suggest he's got something to offer 7 Che Adams - Slammed home the opener early on, then added a second in the 25th minute after Lennon Miller's pressure paid off. Headed home for his deserved hat-trick at the death 8 Subs: Josh Doig (Robertson 58) - Lively and had a couple of shots 4. Andy Irving (McGinn 58) - On for McGinn for first cap 4. Nathan Patterson (Ralston 67) - Second half sub 3. Tommy Conway (Hirst 67) - Set up Adams' 3rd 4. Connor Barron (Gilmour 76) - Another debut 3. Kieran Bowie (Ferguson 76) - First cap 3 'We will miss him and I now have to look for someone to replace him. 'That's one of my jobs over the summer and I will have conversations with people. Advertisement 'But his will be big shoes to fill.' Ipswich striker George Hirst was delighted to grab his first international goal in Liechtenstein. He said: "It was a great feeling. It's always nice to get the first goal early in your career and break your duck. "To get my first Scotland goal is massive for me but it was a great team performance by the boys. Advertisement "We were very professional against a team who tried to make it difficult. "To score four goals is a job well done. "It was very disappointing on Friday and we all knew that - we had to look at ourselves first and foremost. "But you always have an opportunity to bounce back in football. Advertisement "We took the opportunity to put things right. "The pitch was dry and there could have been a million excuses, but we showed the right mentality to win the game. "Playing beside Che certainly made my running easier. "That's the first time we've been a partnership but we had a good understanding and I certainly won't be complaining if that's the case moving forward." Advertisement Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scotsman
40 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Scotland reaction: 'Hurt and anger' response as Steve Clarke hails 'big prospect' and confirms final goodbye
Scotland head coach reacts to 4-0 win over Liechtenstein Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Steve Clarke admitted that his Scotland players took out their "hurt and anger" on lowly Liechtenstein in the 4-0 victory in Vaduz on Monday night. Clarke was pleased to see a positive response to Friday's 3-1 defeat by Iceland at Hampden that had raised serious concerns among the Tartan Army ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign beginning in September. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anything other than a comfortable win over the team ranked 205th in the Fifa rankings would have led to further questions, but a hat-trick from Che Adams and a first international goal for George Hirst eased the pressure on the Scotland head coach. Scotland manager Steve Clarke was pleased with his players' positive response to the Iceland defeat in the 4-0 win over Liechtenstein. | PA 'I know my players. I trust my players,' Clarke told BBC Scotland. 'I've had a couple of disappointments, and I know they've always shown the resilience to come back and do what they can do, so it will have no bearing on what's going to happen later in the year, but it's nice to finish this camp with a nice win. 'It's still a disappointing camp because we didn't play as we can play in the home game at Hampden, so I'm certainly going to carry that (disappointment) into August. 'There was a little bit of hurt and anger in the dressing room, I think you saw that in the first 25 minutes when the players were really on it, so hopefully we can harness that and take that into the autumn games.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clarke confirmed that his long-serving assistant John Carver is stepping down to focus on his role as head coach of Lechia Gdansk. 'I think the wave goodbye to the crowd was probably a giveaway,' he added. 'When I approached him five years ago to come in and help us, I didn't think he'd be here for five years because he's such a talented coach. 'So the fact that it's taken five years for somebody to take him away from us, to give him a full-time contract and a three-year deal is good for Scotland. We'll miss him, we'll have to look to replace him, and that'll be one of my jobs over the summer. 'I've got plenty of people in mind, I'll have a few conversations, but we're pleased that he was here for five years and we wish him every success in Gdansk.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has confirmed his assistant John Carver will depart the coaching set-up | SNS Group Clarke's decision to start with a 4-4-2 formation in the friendly paid off as Adams fourth-minute opener finally ended a 367-day wait for a Scotland striker to find the net, since Lawrence Shankland scored against Finland this time last year. 'That's one thing we spoke about in the dressing room, getting a fast start,' Clarke said. 'Our players had a little bit of anger in the performance at the start of the game. They knew that they'd let themselves down in the previous match. 'So, to start well and get the early goal makes it more comfortable and it's nice to build on that with another three goals. Teams maybe win here but not too many come and score four goals. 'It's been a while since the strikers scored. I spoke to both of them before the game. I said, if ever there was a game where they could both play up top, this was it. If ever there was a game where they could both get on the scoresheet, this was it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lennon Miller was handed his first Scotland start and had a major hand in both of Adams' first-half goals with the Motherwell midfielder showcasing the range and quick tempo of his passing throughout. 'Really good,' Clarke said of the 18-year-old's performance. 'Him and Billy (Gilmour) were good in the midfield. It wasn't easy to pass the ball, the pitch was a bit sticky, but both of them were at it. 'We know what Lennon can do. He's a big prospect for us. It's nice to get these players on the pitch at an early age where you can start to give them international experience.' Ross Doohan made his Scotland debut against Liechenstein. | PA Clarke handed out five debuts with Ross Doohan rewarded for cutting a family holiday short to answer a goalkeeping emergency with a start. As eventful as the last few days have been for the outgoing Aberdeen goalkeeper, he had no saves to make in the game and very little action of any sort in the second half. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clarke said: 'With the experience he has got, 27 years of age, been around different clubs, sometimes on loan, sometimes permanent, he came in, was mature. 'He didn't have a lot to do but what he did he did very cleanly, so I'm pleased for Ross.' Josh Doig, Andy Irving, Connor Barron and Kieron Bowie all made their first Scotland appearances off the bench. 'It was an opportunity to give these younger players, hopefully the next generation of Scotland caps, the one that sets them on the road,' Clarke said. 'Now it's up to them to make it difficult for me to leave them out of the squad.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
We've hurt big nations before and we can do it again in World Cup qualifiers, insists bullish Scotland boss Steve Clarke after stroll in Vaduz
Steve Clarke challenged his players to raise their game against top opponents after they comfortably saw off minnows Liechtenstein in Vaduz. A Che Adams hat-trick and George Hirst's first Scotland goal ensured the team bounced back from last Friday's dire display against Iceland at Hampden. Severely criticised in the wake of the 3-1 loss, the four-goal victory ensured the pressure eased on the embattled manager ahead of the World Cup qualifiers starting in September. Drawn with Denmark, Belarus and Greece in Group C, Clarke will hope for a fast start when the Scots travel to Copenhagen for the opener on September 5. He believes his players must take heart from the fact they've already shown they can take points from some of the best nations in Europe. 'It's still a disappointing camp because we didn't play as we can play in the home game at Hampden,' said Clarke. 'There was a little bit of hurt and anger in the dressing room. You saw that in the first 25 minutes when the players were really on it. Hopefully, we can harness that and take it into the autumn games. Like I said, these two friendlies have no bearing. 'If you look at the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain, in recent times this Scotland team have shown how competitive they can be against that type of team. What we have to do is make sure when it comes to September, October, November, we're very competitive again.' Adams struck inside just four minutes, with Clarke insisting he was always confident his players would get the job done. 'I know my players, I trust my players. I've had a couple of disappointments, and they've always shown the resilience to come back and do what they can do. This has no bearing on what's going to happen later in the year, but it's nice to finish this camp with a nice win.' Unusually, Clarke shaped with a 4-4-2, Adams and Hirst playing as strike partners. Delighted both got on the score sheet, he didn't rule out the possibility of going with an offensive formation in the future. 'Really pleased for Che. Strikers need goals. It's been a little while since he got one, so I knew he was desperate to score. 'He gets an early one which releases the tension a little bit. I left him on because I knew he'd be desperate for that hat-trick and thankfully he got it right on the final kick. Obviously, the assist for George is big as well, so we play two strikers and both score. It's not the first time I've done it. If you think way back when Lyndon Dykes and Che would be a front two for me, so it's something we've used before.' The Tartan Army enjoyed a happier day in Vaduz than they did last Friday at Hampden against Iceland On his first start for his country, teenager Lennon Miller was another star turn, while Clarke also handed debuts to Ross Doohan, John Doig, Connor Barron, Andy Irving and Kieron Bowie. 'It's always nice to manage to get a few more first caps onto the pitch. So, that's all about building the squad for the future,' he said. 'Obviously, we've got the boys we rely on now, but you look at the end picture on the pitch, there's a lot of inexperienced internationals and hopefully over the coming years, they'll start to pick up more and more caps.' Clarke confirmed assistant John Carver is leaving the set-up after being offered the Lechia Gdansk job on a permanent basis.
