TFor Scotland fans, the least welcome sight on Friday night was not the two goals that ensured Steve Clarke’s Finland team went into Euro 2024 with a draw rather than a win in their final preparations. Andy Robertson quickly swallowed a pill on the touchline, raising fears Clarke could suffer another selection blow ahead of the Germany game.
The manager later allayed concerns by explaining that Robertson had vomited during half-time of the 2-2 draw. There appeared to be no further concerns. Robertson set up Lawrence Shankland’s goal, firing the ball into the area for Arttu Hoskonen to smash into his own goal, but was sent off just after the hour mark. Robertson continues to be one of Scotland’s key attacking players.
“Andy’s performances have always been up front,” Clarke said. “He’s made 49 appearances as captain, which is a record. When you look at Andy you think, ‘Come on, Andy, you’ve got a long way to go’. He’s been fantastic to me. He took on the captaincy at a very young age and has really grown into the role. He’s a true leader.”
Liverpool defenders are key to building Scotland’s culture. In the dressing room at Hampden Park, veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon was presented with a signed shirt to celebrate his 75th cap. It was a bittersweet moment for the 41-year-old. He was one of two players left out of the squad for Sunday’s trip to Germany, potentially ending his international career. Meanwhile, Tommy Conway made his debut against Finland.
“Tommy got a sign board with the number 1 on it, Grant Hanley had a board with 50 and Craig had a board with 75,” Clark said. “Those came from the captain. It was his idea, his way of saying, ‘This is what we’re here for, let’s lead the group in the right direction and always give them a little memento like this.’
“For 25 caps you get a silver medal and for 50 caps you get a gold medal. We don’t know what we’ll get for 75 caps and it’ll be about a month before we get our medals, so it’ll be nice to actually get something as a prize on the day.”
Scotland seem at ease going into the tournament – eight months on from qualifying and friendlies in between always raising more questions than answers – and Clarke is confident his players will be fit on tournament day, which means opening against the hosts on Friday before facing Switzerland and Hungary in a bid to reach a major knockout stage for the first time.
Clarke is certain that Scott McTominay, who missed the friendly in June, will be in the squad. “The competitive spirit will be back,” Clarke said. “We won’t want to lose and we’ll give 100 per cent.”
“I’m not saying we were trying to lose against Finland, but it’s always in the back of your mind when you go into a match.
“What happened to Lyndon? [Dykes, who broke down injured in training] “It surprised them a little bit. Now they’re out there, they’re competing and it’s full speed ahead.”
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It’s surprising that Choi Adams isn’t leading the charge against Germany.
Still, Shankland’s header on Friday will have given the 28-year-old Hearts striker new confidence. It was his third goal in 11 appearances for Scotland and came after frustrating goalless spells against Gibraltar and then Northern Ireland in the replacement match.
“It meant a lot to him. He gave me a big smile when he went off,” Clarke said of Shankland. “Strikers live for goals so that’s a big thing.”
“Lawrence was a bit frustrated after the Gibraltar game because the chances weren’t coming his way, but he kept taking his chances and finally scored a header.”
