Steve Clarke says ending Ryan Fraser Scotland feud involved 'no real process' as he explains squad recall

Steve Clarke insists there was “no real process” in recalling Ryan Fraser to the Scotland squad for the first time in 10 months. The national team boss was left furious after the 28-year-old was pictured training with Newcastle United after pulling out of last November’s World Cup qualifying double header against Moldova and Denmark.

Clarke left him out of the pool for friendlies against Poland and Australia but, in naming his squad for those games, said Fraser had apologised. Now the Magpies ace is back involved for the Nations League double header against Ukraine which sandwiches a Hampden clash against Republic of Ireland.

However, Clarke shrugged: “There was no real process with Ryan. I said in March when he missed the two friendly matches that we’d had a chat. He wasn’t playing for Newcastle at the time and I said at the time if he’s fit, available and playing for Newcastle at the time then he’s definitely one we have to consider for selection and that’s why he’s in the squad this time.”

Skipper Andy Robertson is out after picking up an injury with Liverpool but Kieran Tierney returns. Clarke said: “It’s always disappointing to lose key players. Andy is obviously a key player, captain, big character for us within the squad. But as you lose one top quality left back you get another one back with Kieran being available this time so I suppose that softens the blow but you want all your good players fit and available.

“The poorer side of international selection is that you know you’re going to lose players through injury and you’ve just got to deal with it. It gives myself and my staff lots of things to think about and hopefully come up with a way that we can show that we can play with one, both or either.”

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