Steve Clarke won’t play up to 10 at the Euros – and will make sure the boats have oars!

Steve Clarke showed his ruthless side when announcing his Scotland squad for the Euros.

The national coach handed calls-ups to some exciting new faces, while simultaneously delivering the news to others, who had played their part in securing qualification, that they had not made the cut.

Exit Leigh Griffiths, hero of Scotland’s 2-2 draw against England in 2017, enter David Turnbull, an attacking midfielder seen as possessing the potential to upset the Auld Enemy at Wembley this summer.

There was a huge nod to the future too with Liam Palmer making way for Rangers’ precocious right-back, Nathan Patterson. Likewise with the introduction of Billy Gilmour.

However, while making sure to thank those who are missing out, Clarke was at pains to stress that some of the new recruits will have to realise they are there as “just-in-case” full-backs.

In the normal run of things, he revealed, over a third of the squad will take no part in any of the games.

“In the last game against the Faroe Islands, I put some boys on – who hadn’t been involved in the first two games – just to get them off the bench, give them a cap, and make them feel involved,” said Clarke.

“You do that, and they then go away with a good feeling.

“In a tournament situation, it is slightly different.

“You will be more or less flat out with your first XI, give or take some injuries or whatever, and maybe one or two little tactical tweaks.

“Out of the 26, there are maybe eight to 10 players that ought to not get any time on the pitch.

“But I would like to think they are grateful to be involved in the first tournament for such a long time.

“The ones who miss out, we thank for their contribution.

“Sometimes you have to move on and make tough calls. It wasn’t just Leigh Griffiths – they were all tough.

“Callum Paterson has done well for me, Lawrence Shankland has done well, and Oli Burke scored the winner against Cyprus for me in my very first game.

“You don’t forget those moments. They’re all important.”

© Alan Harvey / SNS Group

With so many destined for a supportive role, how does he plan to ensure his players do not get up to high jinks?

Think here of the notorious case of Jimmy Johnstone cast adrift in a rowing boat on the Firth of Clyde back in 1974.

“I will make sure we put oars in the boats!” said Clarke with a chuckle.

“Listen, the lads have will be fine in training camp. They are all good professionals, and I have no worries whatsoever.

“We have strong leaders in the group. I do not know the three younger lads who are coming in, but I’m told they are all good lads.

“Obviously I want them to step up, and be as good as they can be.

“I want them to go to the tournament, like everybody, and enjoy the experience. And I want them to be determined to get to Qatar 2022.

“That’s why you qualify for tournaments, because you want to enjoy the moments.

“You want everyone to go there competitive, trying to be part of the team. To be part of a successful team, and then move on to the next tournament.

“It’s a reasonably young group of players. Declan Gallagher would be the oldest (outfield) at 30, so it’s a squad that can hopefully grow together.

“The balance of the squad is good. That’s important as a coach when you come to a tournament like this.”