Spiky Steve Clarke insists Che Adams is injured as Scotland boss offers Torino email to prove it

Steve Clarke has moved to clear up Che Adams' Scotland withdrawal.

His response came following reports the Torino new boy opted to pull out of the squad for the Nations League double-header with Poland and Portugal this week in order to settle into life in Italy after his summer transfer to Serie A. He was a key figure at the Euro 2024 finals in Germany that ultimately ended in disappointment for the Tartan Army after a group stage exit.

Clarke told the gathered media at his pre-match press conference that Torino informed the Scotland camp on Saturday that he had picked up knocks to his thigh and knee while turning out for his club and wanted him removed from selection. The Scotland gaffer admits he has spoken to the striker and they decided that it was best he stayed in Italy rather than fly over just to be checked on. In a spiky response, the national team gaffer insisted he has official word from the Italian outfit in email over the striker.

He said: "The club informed us on Saturday morning that he picked up knock in the game. The conversation with Che is then does he come over and be assessed and sent back to Italy? There was no point. That is why he misses out.

"I can probably get you the email, if you want? I don't have it on me just now but there was an official email came from Torino that he had injuries that he picked up. Thigh and knee. They asked for him to be withdrawn from the squad.

"I spoke to Che and the conversation was about to come across and be assessed or stay where you are. We decided it would be best that he stayed where he is."