Scotland assistant coach Alan Irvine to focus on ‘attacking side’ – John Carver

John Carver says fellow Scotland assistant coach Alan Irvine will focus on “the attacking side” as the Nations League campaign begins with games against Poland and Portugal this week.

Former Preston and Sheffield Wednesday manager Irvine joined Steve Clarke’s backroom team following the Euro 2024 finals, in which the Scots took one point from nine games and scored twice.

“He’s going to look at, in particular, the attacking side of how we play,” Carver said. “Fresh face, fresh ideas, hopefully some fresh players.

“It’s something we have to address, for sure and we know that.

“Do you play with more attacking players? Do you come away from the [back] five? We’ll have to wait and see. It is something we’ve discussed.

“It’s finding a way with the players you have available as well, having your best players available, to find a system that suits you to be more attack-minded or offensive.”

Carver explained missing out on progress to the round of 16 in Germany was “probably the biggest disappointment I’ve had”

“I’ve lost my job at Newcastle – twice – Leeds, Sheffield United,” he said. “Wherever I’ve been, this was the biggest disappointment because I had so much excitement going into the tournament on what we had with the players and the staff and how we prepared.

“It was devastating. I found it really difficult to recover and, even going on holiday, it was still in my thoughts.”

However, he revealed getting back on the training pitch with the players has been “a breath of fresh air” and given him his “spark back”.

“There’s a new competition starting,” he said.