Clarke on ‘horrible’ run, ‘bigger picture’ & ‘modelling’ Croatia

Clarke said, “not winning games is horrible” as Scotland aim to end their wretched run of one win in 14.

In saying that, though, the head coach added his side “haven’t regressed”.

When asked if his side are a victim of their own success, he said, “it’s a nice price to pay.”

As the head coach, he has to look at the bigger picture. “I’m not saying we’re using this campaign to prepare for the next qualifying campaign, but there is an element of that where we can use these matches to try and prepare ourselves.”

Clarke has “admiration” for how Croatia develop and perform on the biggest international stage despite their size and urges Scotland to use them as “a model”.

He said it’s “disappointing” to have the game televised.

On his squad, James Forrest has not travelled and will be assessed by Celtic before Tuesday’s game against Portugal.