Scotland boss Steve Clarke conceded nothing in regard to criticism of his players over the Czech Republic loss and even produced a defiant response to questions of Stephen O’Donnell’s performance despite an average showing from the Motherwell defender.
It was a case of we must defend better, we must take our chances, from Clarke – somewhat stating the obvious – so Friday will tell the tale if he will implement positive changes to give his side the best possible chance or if it will be more of the same.
Many fans and observers have been frustrated that Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour are kicking their heels on the sidelines – both players with Scottish Premiership and Champions League winners medals, respectively, as well as experience from European club competitions.
With Patterson in particular, he carries a very significant threat going forward as well as fine defensive capabilities.
From a Rangers perspective, we want our man to feature and to succeed but bias aside, how is Stephen O’Donnell a better option for the Scots, especially in a RWB role?
He offered nothing going forward against the Czechs but Clarke was having none of it, as reported by the Glasgow Times:
“Analyse the game and tell me what Stephen did wrong?” said the former Kilmarnock manager.
“How many chances came off that side? Jakub Jankto, one of their most dangerous players, had a quiet game. Their left-back, a really good attacking left-back, Jan Boril, didn’t create a chance in the game.”
“So analyse the game before we start killing players, just because who they are and where they play.”
“Analyse his games when he plays for us. Look at his performances objectively. Just look at the games. Stephen’s first job is to be a defender. So analyse the games. That’s all I’ll say on that one.”
Response
Clarke was not for shifting but when deploying three central defenders, surely both wing-backs have to carry a threat going forward?
The Czechs effectively doubled-up on Andy Robertson knowing that the threat from the opposite side would be very limited – Scotland’s threat was too predictable.
A stubborn, defiant response may be fine for Clarke, for now, but serious questions will be asked if the same choices are made at Wembley on Friday.