Scotland: One person’s disappointment is another’s opportunity – Murray

Former Scotland international Joelle Murray says call-offs in Steve Clarke’s squad are “not ideal” although it “opens the door” for others to impress.

Torino’s new signing Che Adams, Celtic pair Greg Taylor and James Forrest and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie have all pulled out of Clarke’s squad for the Nations League double-header against Poland on Thursday and Portugal on Sunday.

Though a direct replacement for striker Adams was not named, Rangers midfielder Connor Barron has received his first-call up, while left-back Josh Doig and goalkeeper Jon McCracken have also been drafted in.

Murray, who earned 48 caps and was part of the 2019 Women’s World Cup squad, is hopeful Barron especially can grasp his opportunity.

“It seems like we’re becoming accustomed with [call-offs] now,” the former Hibernian defender said on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast.

“I can’t remember the last time a squad was named and we’ve gone with that squad, whether that’s due to call-offs or various other reasons, so it’s not ideal.

“Che Adams is certainly a big focal point within the group, but what it does bring is opportunities for Connor Barron, for Josh Doig, for the guys that have been brought in because for someone’s disappointment, it opens a door for an opportunity for other players who have been in form, if we’re talking about Connor Barron especially.”

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