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BBC News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Clarke won't 'experiment' in Scotland friendlies
International friendly: Scotland v IcelandWhen: Friday, 6 June Where: Hampden Park Kick-off: 19:45 BSTCoverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app, online text updates, listen on BBC Radio Scotland Head coach Steve Clarke says the new players he has called up are embracing being part of the Scotland squad, but he won't be "experimenting" with his side too much in the friendlies against Iceland and called up seven uncapped players for the matches on Friday at Hampden and in Vaduz on Monday - both live on BBC striker Kieron Bowie, Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig, midfield trio Connor Barron of Rangers, West Ham's Andy Irving and Lennon Miller of Motherwell, and goalkeeping duo Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker are all vying for a first the head coach says his side will have a familar look against Iceland."I think you know me quite well by now - we don't really experiment too much," Clarke said. "With any team, there has to be a cycle and a turnover of players eventually. You're bringing these young players in to feel the level of the group, to understand where they need to get to, to be selected regularly. That's important."The young ones are in a good place. There's one or two of them coming into this camp better than the last time they came."Clarke has also been impressed by the commitment shown by his more established players at turning up for these friendlies at the end of gruelling those is captain Andy Robertson, who has also been impressed by the new faces among the squad, both in terms of their abilities on the training pitch but also in their attitudes and willingness to learn."Me, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, we're not going to be around forever. Then it's up to the young lads," the Liverpool full-back said. "It will soon be their squad, they will then have to step up and set standards. So them understanding how difficult international football is, is crucial. "I know from my experience, the younger that I experienced that, the better it was and then I just kind of grew into it. And maybe in 10 years time, I can be watching them at a World Cup." What should we expect from Iceland? Iceland stunned the football world 10 years ago, reaching their first ever major finals when they qualified for Euro followed defied everything from a country's population which is smaller than Edinburgh to what had gone perennial minnows, Iceland were regarded as fodder for countries who regularly made it to major finals. Countries such as successive major tournament qualifications raised the bar of the island nation, who went all the way to the quarter-finals in France, beating England en route before holding Argentina at the World Cup in Russia two years has been tougher in recent years for Iceland, who are onto their fourth coach since the halcyon days of Lars Lagerback and Heimer Hallgrimsson, having suffered relegation to Nations League C in March with a 5-2 aggregate defeat to also come to Glasgow without star-man Orri Oskarsson of Real Sociedad as they too look towards their autumn World Cup qualifying campaign. Who is in the squad? Goalkeepers: Gunn (unattached), McCrorie (Kilmarnock), Slicker (Ipswich Town)Defenders: Doig (Sassuolo), Hanley (Birmingham City), Hendry (Al-Etiffaq), Johnston (Sturm Graz), Scott McKenna (Las Palmas), Patterson (Everton), Ralston (Celtic), Robertson (Liverpool), Souttar (Rangers), Tierney (Arsenal)Midfielders: Barron (Rangers), Ferguson (Bologna), Gilmour (Napoli), Irving (West Ham United), McGinn (Aston Villa), McTominay (Napoli), Miller (Motherwell)Forwards: Adams (Torino), Bowie (Hibernian), Conway (Middlesbrough), Wilson (Heart of Midlothian), Hirst (Ipswich Town) Match stats Scotland have won all six of previous meetings with will be Iceland's first visit to Hampden since a 2-1 defeat in World Cup qualifying in April 2009. Steven Fletcher and Ross McCormack scored their first international goals for Scotland that have won just one of their last eight home games in all competitions (D3 L4), having won six in a row at Hampden have lost each of their last three games in all competitions. They last lost more games consecutively between October 2020 and March have won three of their last four matches, after winning just one of 16 games prior across all competitions (D5 L10).Iceland coach and former Dundee United forward Arnar Gunnlaugsson has lost his first two games in charge of the the start of 2023, Scott McTominay has scored more than double the number of goals any other player has for Scotland (11 – John McGinn, 5).Lennon Miller (18 years, 285 days) could make his debut, with 18-year-old James Wilson doing so against Greece last time out. The only previous year two 18-year-olds made their debuts was in 2016, when Kieran Tierney and Oliver Burke did.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Is Clarke's squad a glimpse into Scotland's future?
Steve Clarke has picked 12 players that are 25 or younger in his latest Scotland squad [Getty Images] International friendly: Scotland v Iceland When: Friday 6 June Where: Hampden Park Kick-off: 19:45 BST Coverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app, online text updates, listen on BBC Radio Scotland Advertisement Steve Clarke is no stranger to adapting and evolving as Scotland manager. During his six years in charge of the national team, he has chopped and changed the makeup of his squad, reaching two major finals in the process. A place at the World Cup is the next target for Clarke's Scotland, 27 years since their last appearance at the showpiece event in 1998. The 61-year-old has selected seven uncapped players for this month's friendly matches against Iceland and Liechtenstein as they gear up for their World Cup qualifying campaign, which gets under way in September. Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig are included, as are midfield trio Connor Barron of Rangers, West Ham United's Andy Irving and Lennon Miller of Motherwell. Advertisement Goalkeepers Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker are the other two players yet to make their full international debuts. On the face of it, it appears Clarke is looking to the future, but what can we learn from his new-look squad? Blend of youth & experience One thing that stands out, in addition to the numerous uncapped players, is the volume of younger faces. Of the 25-man squad, 12 are aged 25 or younger with their best years stretching ahead of them. Lewis Ferguson is one of them. The Bologna captain continued his superb story on the continent by winning the Coppa Italia last season, but has struggled for regular starts in the dark blue of his country. Advertisement With Kenny McLean not included and Ryan Christie recovering from injury, he has an opportunity to stake his place in midfield alongside Billy Gilmour. Max Johnston, 21, and the returning Nathan Patterson, 23, could be handed opportunities to impress with Anthony Ralston - the other right-back in the squad - second choice at Celtic. Hearts' James Wilson and Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway join Bowie as the other youthful striking options. There is still a familiar feel to the spine of the squad though. Wiser heads like captain Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney and Serie A MVP Scott McTominay remain, as Scotland seek momentum before the games that matter. Uncertainty remains in goal [Getty Images] Not long ago, Scotland had an abundance of quality goalkeeping talent at their disposal. Advertisement Any one of Craig Gordon, Allan McGregor or David Marshall were comfortable at international level. These days, the resources between the sticks are less plentiful, to say the least. Gordon is now 42 and not included in this squad due to injury. It seems highly unlikely that even a man of his talent and resilience would feature at the 2026 World Cup if Scotland were to get there. Angus Gunn took the gloves at Euro 2024, but has made high-profile errors for both club and country and is now a free agent after being released by Norwich City. That leaves the uncapped Slicker and McCrorie, both with limited experience at club level. Advertisement Clarke must either back Gunn or put his faith in one of his untested shot stoppers. Which uncapped players might catch Clarke's eye? Of the uncapped players, Miller undoubtedly has the most hype around him. Motherwell's 18-year-old midfielder has improved at a remarkable rate since making his senior club debut aged just 16. He won the PFA Scotland young player of the year award last month after a season in which he scored four goals and assisted seven in 36 games. Miller is expected to leave Fir Park for a sizeable transfer fee, one which could be bolstered should he make his Scotland bow against Iceland or Liechtenstein. Advertisement "I could maybe, in a couple of months, be the best player there," Miller said after his first Scotland call-up in March. He later clarified his comments, saying the speed of that claim was a "mistake", but reiterating his desire to be the best player he possibly can be. Short of confidence, he is not. Bowie is another who will fancy making an impact, should the opportunity arise. Quick, strong and imposing, he scored six goals in his first season for Hibs after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained playing for Scotland Under-21s. "Any time I watched the Under-21s he always stood out," Clarke said when naming his squad. "He's big, physical and strong with good attributes to his game. Advertisement "Going into the summer, you've got Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet, I know what they can bring, so it was just to have a look at something a little bit different and see if we can expand the pool of players. "You're looking for somebody to catch your eye."
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Inside the resurgence of Josh Doig, the often forgotten Scot playing in shadow of McTominay, Gilmour & Ferguson in Italy
He's playing under an Italy legend who he describes as a 'role model' ITALIAN JOB Inside the resurgence of Josh Doig, the often forgotten Scot playing in shadow of McTominay, Gilmour & Ferguson in Italy SCOTT McTOMINAY regularly makes the headlines and Lewis Ferguson isn't far behind. But it's another Scot plying his trade in Italy - one often rather unheralded - who will be celebrating today. Advertisement 3 Josh Doig has enjoyed a superb campaign with Sassuolo Credit: Getty 3 Doig's Sassuolo have been promoted back to Serie A Credit: Getty 3 Doig has yet to win his first senior Scotland cap Credit: Willie Vass Aaron Hickey's move to Bologna from Hearts in 2020 kick-started a boom period of Scottish footie stars heading to Italy. While Hickey's switch kicked-off the trend, former Celtic and Hibs star Liam Henderson was very much already there and has represented five different clubs. Advertisement Top Scots stars McTominay, Ferguson and Billy Gilmour are all there in Serie A now and flourishing. Scotland striker Che Adams has also enjoyed success after heading to Torino. Bologna captain Ferguson has tasted Coppa Italia glory this season while McTominay and Gilmour are on the cusp of winning the Serie A title with Napoli. But there's one other Scot who's enjoyed silverware success this season. That man is Josh Doig. Advertisement Now aged 23, it's been three years since the left-back swapped Hibs for Italy. A youth product at rivals Hearts before joining the Hibees, Doig went on to become SFWA Young Player of the Year in 2021. A £3million deal in July 2022 took Doig to Hellas Verona on a four-year contract. Hibs star Josh Doig accepts DoubleTree by Hilton Scottish Football Writers' Association Young Player of the Year trophy He initially got off to a flying start, providing assists and scoring inside his first few weeks of competitive football in Italy. The 2023/24 campaign would prove to be a more frustrating affair for Doig. Advertisement It started well however, with Doig continuing to feature for Hellas Verona regularly and catching the eye of several big clubs. Linked with a number of potential moves, he looked all set to sign for French giants Marseille. Agreements were reached and Doig looked set for Ligue 1. However, Hellas Verona took their time in signing-off on the deal and Marseille ended up dramatically pulling out. They went and signed another left-back instead. Advertisement Doig did move on in January 2024 but instead stayed in Italy. Sassuolo paid £5million to land him and got a deal over the line. The club had established itself in Serie A after being promoted to the top tier for the first time ever in 2013. That run came to an end as Doig endured a nightmare start to things at the club. They were relegated at the end of last season, dropping to the second tier for the first time in 12 years. Advertisement It was a setback for the club and indeed Doig, who no doubt wouldn't have had any intention of playing Serie B football. In an interview late last year, Doig said: "Obviously it was really disappointing to come down, but then what you going to do? It's happened." You could argue, however, that it's been the making of him. Last summer, Fabio Grosso was appointed Sassuolo manager. A legendary left-back himself for the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus and Italy, he seemed an ideal leader for Doig to develop under. Advertisement That's how it has worked out with Doig labelling Grosso a 'role model.' He told Not the Old Firm: 'He is so helpful because you know you can trust him. He's done it all. 'He's done everything in the game and at my position. To have a role model like that be your gaffer, it's so good to bring me forward. "Even in training, it's so important because obviously he's done it, he's seeing what I'm doing and to pick up on the little things maybe I wouldn't notice and maybe other managers would notice because they're not too particular with left back." Doig has been able to return to the top of his game this season. Advertisement Josh Doig's career Born in Edinburgh on May 18, 2002 Came through academy system at Hearts before joining rivals Hibs in 2019 Got first team chance during loan spell at Queen's Park in 2020 Made senior Hibs debut in August 2020 and went on to become key player for the Easter Road club Won SFWA Young Player of the Year award for 2020/21 season Signed new deal at Hibs in November 2021 before joining Hellas Verona for £3million in July 2022 Moved to Sassuolo in January 2024 after move to Marseille collapsed Relegated to Serie B last year but secured title-winning promotion back to Serie A at first time of asking Back in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for June friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein Capped at under-18 and under-21 level, Doig is yet to make his senior international bow And Sassuolo are back to the top of table of Italian football. Doig has excelled this season in a dominant showing for the club who have been promoted back to Serie A at the first time of asking. They finished top of the Serie B table, clinching the title in the process. A dominant side all season, they finished six points clear of Pisa in second and 16 points clear in the race for automatic promotion. Doig's performances have caught the eye, too, and after a frustrating period he might feel he's starting to fulfil his potential. Advertisement Personally, he seems settled too. Doig admitted moving to Italy was a massive "culture shock" at first, but has declared being at Sassuolo is the happiest he's ever been. And he might soon have reason to be even happier - the prospect of a Scotland debut. Doig has been included in squads before. But almost three years since his first call-up under Steve Clarke, he still hasn't earned his first cap. Advertisement That could all be about to change, however. He's been rewarded for his stellar campaign with a spot in the squad for the friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein next month. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Scotland will have SIX Scots in Serie A next season as rising star joins Scott McTominay and Co in Italy's top flight
SCOTS SURGE Scotland will have SIX Scots in Serie A next season as rising star joins Scott McTominay and Co in Italy's top flight Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS have been a hit in Italian football in recent years. Perhaps none more so than this season with FIVE players strutting their stuff in Serie A but that number will jump to six for the 2025-26 campaign. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Sassuolo celebrate after sealing their return to Serie A Credit: Getty 3 Josh Doig has captained Scotland's Under-21s and been around the senior setup Credit: Alamy That's because a rising star who has captained the Scotland Under-21s has just won promotion to the country's top flight. This season we've witnessed Scott McTominay go from Manchester United conundrum to Napoli cult hero and he stands on the brink of history with the Gli Azzuri as they close in on the Scudetto. Playing alongside him in Antonio Conte's potential Serie A-winning team has been Billy Gilmour, who joined the club from Brighton on the same day as McTominay. Last year it was all about Lewis Ferguson, who won the coveted Premio Bulgarelli Number 8 award - dished out by the Italian FA to who they believe was the best midfielder of the season. The former Aberdeen and Hamilton star led Bologna to the Champions League for the time since the sixties but missed the final few months of the season (and the Euros) due to an injury that kept him sidelined until October. This season, he's continued to wear the armband as Bologna reached the Coppa Italia final. Despite scoring 16 goals for Southampton as they achieved promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in 2023-24, Che Adams joined Torino in the summer and hasn't looked back. While Saints struggled in the Prem, Adams is the Granata's top scorer this season with ten goals in all competitions (matching Denis Law's record for the club). The longest-serving Scottish footballer in Italy is Liam Henderson, however. The former Celtic and Hibs player is with his fifth Italian club, Empoli, having first moved to the country in 2018 to sign for Bari. 'How can you sell him?' Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Man Utd for Scott McTominay's transfer to Napoli He has since turned out for Hellas Verona, Lecce and Palermo and was on the losing side of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Ferguson's Bologna this year. Like Henderson, Josh Doig is a former Hibs star with previous Serie A experience - but he's been missing from the league for the last year. He joined Hellas Verona from the Easter Road club for £3million in 2022 but was sold to Sassuolo midway through the following season. Doig was unable to stop the Neroverdi from suffering relegation but this season they bounced back. The Modena club stormed to the Serie B title and had their place in Serie A confirmed with several games remaining. After a 1-1 draw at Cremonese at the weekend, their final two matches are at home, starting with tonight's clash against Catanzaro. Doig has played in the majority of games this season, making the left-back position his own. He has started all but four of his 28 league appearances, scoring once and providing one assist and will be relishing a return to Serie A to face his Scots pals. Sassuolo are managed by former Italy World Cup winner Fabio Grosso. 3 Doig in action for Sassuolo this season Credit: Getty Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
