Steve Clarke reveals he ‘didn’t know’ about Scotland record he could break

STEVE CLARKE is known for his tendency to focus only what is directly in front of him and shut off any distractions.

So perhaps it was no surprise that he had no idea that he could break the record for the most games in charge of Scotland, if he sees out the Nations League campaign and the 2026 World Cup qualifying journey to follow.

The 61-year-old has been at the helm for 61 matches now and the next three fixtures against Portugal, Poland and Croatia would take him clear into second place past Jock Stein and Andy Roxburgh.

Craig Brown was boss for 71 games which remains the record – for now.

Ahead of the match against Portugal at Hampden tomorrow, Clarke was quizzed on the potential record he could break.

But he said: “I didn’t know.

“I’m proud, obviously, to be mentioned in the same breath as people like Mr Stein and Mr Roxburgh, who still sends me the occasional email just to keep in touch.

“No, listen, it’s really good.

“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 to the number, if I could. I want to go to the World Cup.

“I believe this squad of players are good enough to go to the World Cup in America in 2026. That’s all I’m focused on.”

To matters on the pitch and Clarke remains adamant his squad can pull of a shock and get a result against Cristiano Ronaldo & co.

He said: “They do believe in themselves. They understand that we’re playing difficult opponents. They understand also that the squad could be stronger. Everyone knows that.

“All these things are there to be seen. 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.”

Clarke called on the Hampden Roar to be at its loudest – and threw some shade in the direction of those who have criticised his players.

He insists they can point to their record of making it to back-to-back Euros as reason for keeping the faith.

Clarke said: “The crowd have got a part to play. The crowd also have to believe in their team and their players. I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t believe in this group of players.

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“We’ve got three players that are inside the top ten cap appearances for the country.

“After 20 years in the international wilderness, this group of players have been to two major tournaments. They’ve got promotion to this top level of the Nations League.

“So I don’t understand why people would be doubting about this group of players.

“It’s a tough moment, there’s no doubt about it. But we believe in ourselves.”

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