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Steve Clarke hails Scotland’s character and depth after late Norway comeback win
Steve Clarke hails Scotland’s character and depth after late Norway comeback win
Scotland manager Steve Clarke hailed the character and depth in his squad following their sensational late Euro 2024 qualifying comeback in Oslo. Clarke’s men stunned Norway with an unlikely turnaround as goals from Lyndon Dykes and substitute Kenny McLean in the final four minutes of normal time earned the Group A leaders a 2-1 victory. McLean was one of three changes Clarke made in the 79th minute and it proved just in time after Scotland struggled to pose a threat and fell behind to Erling Haaland’s 61st-minute penalty after the striker went down when Ryan Porteous got hold of his shirt. With Spain not playing, Scotland extended their lead at the top of Group A and moved eight points ahead of third seeds Norway. Clarke said: “I was pleased with the performance, we were disciplined and passed it quite well at times. “Obviously, you have got to soak up a lot of pressure against a good Norwegian team. And we never stopped believing. We keep going to the end and got our rewards. “It says a lot about the character, the spirit, the quality from the bench. One of the things I keep banging on about with this group of players, the quality we have got, they want to do well for their country. “And when I turn to the bench and I know I need to make changes to freshen it up, I am putting top-quality players on the pitch. “It was just about getting the timing right. After losing the goal, I felt it was better just to stay in the fight for a little bit to make sure the game didn’t run away from us. “After that we had to chase the game, it was pretty logical – you are going to take off a defender and push John McGinn a little bit further forward. “We brought Kenny to the game, Billy Gilmour to the game, brought Stuart Armstrong to the game, fresh legs to try and get forward and they were involved in most of the best things towards the end of the game. “Even Dominic (Hyam) comes on at the end and sticks his head on a couple. Congratulations to Dominic, first cap, not a bad place to do it, not a bad score.” Scotland’s win already puts them in a strong position with a perfect record ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Georgia, which will mark the halfway point in the campaign. Clarke said: “If we want to qualify for major tournaments, you know you have to go away from home against good teams and pick up points. This is three points which is big but we have to go again. “They are all in there recovering in an ice bath and we have to make sure we get three points on Tuesday to capitalise. It sets us up nicely for Tuesday, I am not looking beyond that.” Porteous is suspended for Tuesday after picking up a yellow card but Kieran Tierney could feature despite hobbling off, not long after the opener. When asked how the Arsenal defender was, Clarke said: “Tired. Just tired. He didn’t join us for the training camp. Not released by his club. “He joined us at the start of this week and felt a bit of tightness in his quad so we just protected him all week. “To get a good hour out of the lad was fantastic and shows that everybody is prepared to put their body on the line. And then we are bringing on Liam Cooper who is a top-quality defender.” Norway manager Stale Solbakken – whose side were left bottom of the group – bemoaned the turning point of the game when his defender’s interception fell for Dykes to nudge home. “It was an accident for Leo Ostigrad. I think it was cramp in both legs at the same time,” he said. “That’s how it is, we can’t blame him for that. I will have to take the blame for not substituting him if it was like that. “We are in a very difficult position.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Dejan Kulusevski’s loan spell at Tottenham turned into permanent deal Usman Khawaja’s first ton in England ‘a bit more emotional’ after crowd taunts Frustrated Stuart Broad blames costly no-ball on ‘pushing a little bit too hard’
2023-06-18 03:48
'Silo' Episode 4 Review: Get a glimpse into Juliette Nichols’ childhood as she starts her job as sheriff
'Silo' Episode 4 Review: Get a glimpse into Juliette Nichols’ childhood as she starts her job as sheriff
Juliette Nichols is ready to find some answers and there’s no stopping her!
2023-05-19 15:00
Allianz sounds positive note on outlook after profit beat
Allianz sounds positive note on outlook after profit beat
FRANKFURT German insurer Allianz on Thursday was optimistic on its outlook for the full year after reporting a
2023-08-10 18:48
3 Jordan Love plays from Week 1 that proved the Packers’ future is bright
3 Jordan Love plays from Week 1 that proved the Packers’ future is bright
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love had an incredible Week 1 performance against the Chicago Bears. Here are his three best plays.
2023-09-11 08:30
Real Madrid confirm loan signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea
Real Madrid confirm loan signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea
Real Madrid have signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
2023-08-14 17:12
Amy Schumer slams other stars for 'lying' about being on Ozempic
Amy Schumer slams other stars for 'lying' about being on Ozempic
Amy Schumer is not holding back when it comes to celebrities and diet trends.
2023-06-11 05:27
'He's heartless': Donald Trump slammed for ignoring Melania in 'deranged' Mother's Day rant
'He's heartless': Donald Trump slammed for ignoring Melania in 'deranged' Mother's Day rant
Donald Trump's Mother's Day post attacked 'radical left Fascists, Marxists, and communists' while completely ignoring the women in his life
2023-05-16 21:26
Introducing Beats Studio Pro: The Cultural Icon Reengineered
Introducing Beats Studio Pro: The Cultural Icon Reengineered
CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 19, 2023--
2023-07-19 22:00
Valorant 7.09 Patch Notes: All Agent Buffs and Nerfs Explained
Valorant 7.09 Patch Notes: All Agent Buffs and Nerfs Explained
The Valorant 7.09 patch notes reveal major buffs and nerfs to Agents, including a Cypher buff and Raze nerf in Episode 7 Act 3.
2023-11-01 01:35
Biden Debt-Bill Signing Set to Unleash Tsunami of US Debt Sales
Biden Debt-Bill Signing Set to Unleash Tsunami of US Debt Sales
President Joe Biden’s signature of legislation suspending the federal debt ceiling has given the Treasury Department the green
2023-06-05 05:00
Treat Williams dead at 71: 'Troubled' actor made startling comeback 6 years after battling cocaine addiction
Treat Williams dead at 71: 'Troubled' actor made startling comeback 6 years after battling cocaine addiction
Treat Williams appeared to be on his way to becoming the next big thing in showbiz when his career suddenly hit a rocky patch after 1980
2023-06-13 14:50
Beware: Mars In Scorpio Will Bring An Intense Time
Beware: Mars In Scorpio Will Bring An Intense Time
Take note: Mars, the planet of action, aggression, and sex, enters its home sign of Scorpio on October 12 and will remain there until November 24. When Mars swims in the water sign Scorpio, we begin to rely on our instincts as a form of guidance and protection. Our confidence will be high, allowing us to have fortitude in moments of strife, as we ride along the rapturous waves of Mars in Scorpio period and dive into the deep end.
2023-10-12 21:31