John Carver has slammed the Scotland door shut on any Euro wildcards looking to make a late charge for Germany.
The national no.2 insists boss Steve Clarke is looking to stay loyal to the heroes who secured qualification – and he’ll give injured stars right up until the last minute to seal their seats on the plane. Stalwart defender Grant Hanley was forced out of Friday’s friendly clash with Holland, while Callum McGregor, Aaron Hickey and Ryan Jack are all absent from the camp.
Carver admitted losing Hanley at this stage was a blow but is optimistic about the others proving their fitness for the main event. He admitted Scotland chiefs are not looking to tempt any big name Anglos into the group with the promise of places in Germany. Hampden spies have spent recent months attempting to woo Newcastle aces Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento, Elliott Anderson and Anthony Gordon, along with Leeds United wonderkid Archie Gray.
Scotland may pick up the process again – but only after the Euros as Clarke will stick with his tried and trusted campaigners. When asked if there was time for some late curveballs, Carver said: “I would be very surprised, because loyalty is massive. We are almost settled on what we are going to take away.
“I would be very surprised if somebody comes out from nowhere. We are more or less settled.
“Unless we find somebody who is like ‘wow’, an outstanding player. I am not going to go down this street of Anderson and Gordon and all this lot because I have had enough of that, I am sick of talking about that.
“If somebody comes from nowhere I would be very surprised. But we are looking at all the options for now and obviously for the future. “Because we have to take it further again after the Euros.
“We have had a few people looking at that situation along with many others. I think it is important you never stop looking and searching. That’s how it should be. If people think they are comfortable getting a place in the squad then they become relaxed.”
McGregor is expected to be fit in a fortnight but Hickey has yet to resume full training and Hanley will be monitored along with Norwich. Scott McKenna skipped training on Tuesday but it’s not a concern.
And Carver said: “We have to give everyone as long as possible. I think it is important to give these guys who have been loyal and faithful and who have done really well for this national team an opportunity to be in that squad of 23.
“I am sure when it comes to the tournament we won’t go into it thinking hmm, we are not sure yet – we are not going to take a player who is not confirmed as fit and possibly been playing because then you are taking a risk with one player.
“And in a tournament where you are playing every so often it can backfire on you if you do not have a group of players who can take care of the whole tournament.”
Carver admitted admitted there will be chances for fringe men such as Lawrence Shankland and Lewis Ferguson to stake their claim for starting roles. Carver said: “The one thing about Lawrence is he is a goalscorer. He is not going to work the channels or go and press people.
“He comes alive when the ball comes in the box and that could be a huge asset because with the players we have if you have someone who likes to score goals then that’s how you win games, especially tight games like we will have in the Euros. It is a great opportunity for him.
“Ferguson has been amazing. People are talking about Juventus, which is incredible.
“He’s another one who has come up on the rails. He’s got physicality, energy, he knows when to arrive in the box.
“And he kicks a few people – which I quite like!”
Carver admitted this is no time for experimenting with the Euros clock ticking and he wants Scotland to build momentum after five games without a win, including bruising friendly defeats to France and England.
Clarke’s troops face Northern Ireland on Tuesday followed by Germany tune up games against Gibraltar and Finland in June.
He said: “It is important, and let’s not forget we’ve had some difficult games recently.
“The four (friendly) games are very important. It’s important we go into the tournament with some confidence from winning games.
“We’ve had some really tough games and we’ve learned some great lessons from it – players and staff – but we need to get back to winning.”
