International breaks used to be an anxious time for Ryan Gauld. He’d be standing by his phone in case of a potential call-up, wondering if he’d done enough to impress.
Then invariably asking himself why it hadn’t happened. But not now. When Steve Clarke names his next Scotland squad for a friendly against Turkey in November, Gauld will probably have a bag packed. But not for a return to his homeland. Instead, it’ll be for a trip to Vancouver Island, Montreal or Calgary on a sight-seeing mission or well-earned holiday.
Gauld hasn’t given up on representing his country again but, at 26, is now philosophical about his chances. Of course, there’s still a burning desire to pull on that dark blue shirt again. But before it felt like the be-all-and-end-all to get international recognition while playing abroad. Not now. Gauld has been outstanding for Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS this season. He’s the guy team-mates and fans rely on for inspiration.
With five goals in nine games from September, he single-handedly gave them a shot at the play-offs – only to fall short last weekend. Gauld isn’t daft either.
He knows that Scotland’s attacking midfield is arguably the strongest area of Clarke’s squad. He’s competing with the likes of John McGinn, Stuart Armstrong, Ryan Christie and Ryan Fraser for a spot.
And there’s no doubt that being 4000 miles away certainly doesn’t help. But he refuses to let it weigh on his mind any more. He told MailSport : “It’s genuinely not something I think about now. A year or two ago, when I thought I was doing really well at Farense, I felt it might happen.
“But I’m at a stage now where it doesn’t enter my mind. When there’s an international break I’m looking at having a few days off and
SFA
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John Macginn
Ryan Fraser
Stuart Armstrong
Steve Clarke
Ryan Christie