Spiky Steve Clarke shuts out Scotland doom-mongers as Tartan Army boo boys told what REALLY matters

Bristling Steve Clarke has launched a firm defence of his Scotland side a "decent" showing saw them slump to defear to Northern Ireland.

The boss saw his nightmare preparation for Euro 2024 spiral in front of a furious Tartan Army as the Northern Irish visitors made it seven games without a win after Conor Bradley's effort deflected into the net. Despite the effort cannoning off of Jack Hendry to beat Angus Gunn in the Scotland goal, few members of the home support could quibble with the defeat after a lacklustre display in Mount Florida.

However, Clarke didn't share that view and insisted the only let-down on the night was that his men didn't create more in the attacking third. In a spiky interview, he was asked for his thoughts on the Scotland performance, the boss told Viaplay: "Yeah, okay. Decent. We probably had to create a bit more in the final third. We had a lot of the ball.

"We played against a very good, a well organised Northern Ireland team. The deflection for the goal gives them even more to defend than what they were before and they were good on the night and we didn't quite create enough to get the goals back."

Pressed on a run of 19 goals conceded in seven games without a win, Clarke fired back: 'Sometimes you learn more in the bad moments. So, let's see what we learn."

Asked what he has learned over the period of seven games the Scotland boss remained undeterred as he insisted results only matter at the Euros. He responded: "You learn a lot about your players.

"You learn a lot about your team and what we are going to do in the summer. The time to peak is in June."