Steve Clarke closing in on record-breaking tally as Scotland manager

STEVE CLARKE will move to within ten games of becoming the longest-serving Scotland manager.

But the national boss — in his 62nd match — insists the only achievement that matters is taking the country to the World Cup.

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Clarke will tomorrow overtake Jock Stein and Andy Roxburgh, who both led Scotland 61 times.

And, with two more Nations League games and eight World Cup qualification ties to come, he would overhaul Craig Brown’s record of 71.

On reaching the milestone, Clarke said: “I’m proud to be mentioned in the same breath as people like Mr Stein and Mr Roxburgh.

“It shows you that the players have been fantastic for us over the last five and a half years of my reign as head coach.

“I’d like to add a few more, if I could.”

Asked if topping an illustrious list of Scotland managers provided added incentive, Clarke said: “I don’t need any extra motivation. I want to see out my contract. I want to go to the World Cup.

“I believe this squad is good enough to go to the World Cup in the Americas in 2026. That’s all I’m focused on.”

Clarke has no fears over squad morale following Saturday night’s crushing loss in Croatia which was a fourth successive defeat in a dismal run of one win in 15.

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron was called up from the Under-21s after crocked Celtic star James Forrest was ruled out again and Clarke said of the mood: “Good, good.

“Obviously, like always, disappointed with the result, but I feel as though I’m repeating myself. There is a process that you have to go through, you’re playing at the top table against top teams, maybe the results are not going for you — but we have to believe in what we’re doing.

“When I look at the players on the pitch, then I believe in what we’re doing.

“The players are good, ready to go again.

“Like I said, the players understand where we are in the process, they understand what they have to do to get results.

“As far as I can see, and hopefully as far as everyone else can see, they’re on board with it.”

Clarke, who is missing up to 12 players, added: “I don’t speak about it too much because I feel it’s disrespectful to the boys that are in the squad.

“We have to concentrate on who we have, who we have here.

“We have to go out against Portugal.

“We know we have to be very good at everything we do in the game.
“Hopefully we can get the result that might just change the whole mood about the place.”

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