Clarke on 'breathing space', Doak, surprise Jack inclusion & Forrest wow factor

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has been speaking to the media after naming his provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2024.

Here are they key lines from the press conference:

  • Clarke says he chose 28 players - two have to be omitted by 7 June - to "buy a little time", adding: "I've probably got half a dozen who are not playing regularly or coming back form injury. So it's just to go a little bit bigger and give us more breathing space. We can take a look at them over our 10 days together in the pre-camp".

  • Uncapped 18-year-old Liverpool forward Ben Doak has "a lot of talent" and pace, which Scotland "haven't got in abundance".

  • Clarke hints Doak will make the final squad by saying: "It's a little bit different, he's young and has a lot to learn in the game. It just seemed like the right opportunity with the squad going from 23 to 26."

  • On calling up uncapped Ross McCrorie: "I lost my two first-choice right backs/right wing-backs. Ross got back in the [Bristol City] team in the second half of the season, acquitted himself well and got some minutes under his belt."

  • Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack brings experience and "deserves" to be in the squad, with Clarke adding: "He hasn't had the best end to the season for Rangers but he's been fit the past two or three weeks. He's a midfield player that's a little bit different."

  • On recalling Celtic winger James Forrest: "If ever there's an example to young players on how to conduct yourself if things aren't going well at your club, James epitomises that. He's had a fantastic finish to the season. You're looking and thinking: 'Wow, James is back to where he was three or four years ago.' That was something I couldn't overlook."

  • Going from 23 to a 26-man squad amid injuries to the likes of Lewis Ferguson and Aaron Hickey made the squad selection "more difficult" for Clarke.

  • He says Scotland are "capable" of reaching the knockout stage for the first time, adding: "That would be a magnificent achievement. That'll be the aim."

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