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."