USMNT defender Sergiño Dest makes return from ACL injury with PSV
US men's national team defender Sergiño Dest has returned from knee surgery after more than 10 months out of action.
The 24-year-old entered in the 67th minute for PSV Eindhoven against Heerenveen in the Eredivisie on Saturday, coming on in place of fellow American Richy Ledesma.
'Of course I have to take it easy and be careful, but it felt good,' Dest told the club website afterward.
Dest's return could be especially well-timed for the US national team, which will announce its squad for the upcoming Nations League finals on Tuesday. The two-game tournament will be the last major competition that will involve all of the team's first-choice players until the 2026 World Cup. The US is set to play Panama in the semi-final on 20 March, with Mexico and Canada playing in the other semi-final that same day. The final and third place game will be on 23 March.
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If Dest is named to the US squad and plays in the Nations League finals, it will mark almost exactly a year since his last international appearance, which came in the 2024 Nations League final victory over Mexico. His ACL injury meant that Dest missed the 2024 Copa América in which the US was eliminated in the group stage, which resulted in the dismissal of head coach Gregg Berhalter. A call-up would represent Dest's first time in camp with Berhalter's replacement, Mauricio Pochettino.
Dest was loaned from Barcelona to PSV in August 2023 and agreed to a four-year contract with PSV last June. The outside back scored two goals in 25 league matches and 37 overall games before tearing an ACL in training on 20 April, an injury that needed surgery.
He has two goals in 33 international appearances and started all four US matches at the 2022 World Cup.
PSV beat Heerenveen 2-1 and is now second in the Dutch top tier behind leader Ajax.
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Scottish Sun
30 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
an hour 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 Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Che Adams relieved to break Scotland goal curse as George Hirst makes striker's job 'easier'
The Torino frontman hadn't scored in more than a year before netting a hat-trick in the 4-0 demolishing of Liechtenstein Hat-trick hero Che Adams ended his Scotland goal drought in style and then set his sights on the World Cup qualifiers. The striker netted a hat-trick as Scotland beat Liechtenstein 4-0 in Monday night's friendly in Vaduz. The Torino star netted his first international goal for more than a year and then went on to net a treble. Now he wants to keep that red-hot form into the World Cup qualifiers, which start in September against Denmark. Adams beamed: 'Yes, honestly amazing. It's always a pleasure to put on this shirt and score. 'It's been so long since I scored in the shirt. So to score one and eventually get two more was amazing and a nice way to sign off the season.' Adams had finished as Torino's top scorer and he acknowledged drawing a blank for his country was weighing heavily on his shoulders. He claimed: 'Obviously as a striker it's always in the back of your mind. As a striker, you're the one to put the ball in the net. It was made a bit easier playing with two strikers. 'We were able to keep a constant threat in behind, putting them under pressure. I fully enjoyed it and hopefully we can build off this now into the qualifiers.' Adams netted his first international treble and now has a nice memento from his big night. The former Birmingham City forward admitted: 'Yes, I got it (the ball) signed from all the boys. I've had four or five, but I can't remember the last one. 'Obviously, it's a nice little touch to finish off the season and get some well-deserved rest." Scotland haven't qualified for the World Cup since 1998 and that is something Adams and his team want to address. It is 88 days from Tuesday until the action starts away to Denmark. He warned: 'Obviously, to put things right against Liechtenstein today, following the poor result against Iceland. It's going to come short and sharp. Yeah, exactly. It's been a long time (since we made a World Cup). 'But I think everyone's mentally preparing now, from today really to look forward to those games and get back into playing in those competitions.' Adams is following in the footsteps of the late, great Denis Law for club and country. He recently broke his Italian scoring record and is also making an impact for Scotland. He said: 'A lot of people were saying that actually over there (beating Law's record). As I said, I'm delighted to have finished top scorer for Torino. I love it. 'I think it's going to be difficult for anyone to go to a different country, different culture and different league. For me to do that, a lot of people say it's brave, but it's something that I felt comfortable with doing. 'I've enjoyed every minute of it and hopefully I can build off this season and go again next season. But as I said, today was icing on the cake. Just to get the three goals and build off this into the qualifiers.' Adams has been part of a successful Scottish surge in Italy. Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour won Serie A with Napoli, Lewis Ferguson lifted the Coppa Italia and Josh Doig also won promotion back to the top-flight with Sassuolo. Adams joked: 'No, I don't know. We're always speaking about the league and how difficult it is and how tactically different it is. I think everyone's enjoyed it. 'Everyone's had respectable seasons. Especially the boys, obviously, that won trophies and Doigy, the one that got promotion. 'I think everyone's building and learning and putting themselves into these situations that not many people would. 'I think we're coming out with a lot of rewards from it.'
