Steve Clarke is optimistic that Ryan Gauld can add a unique dimension to his Scotland squad.

The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder is among four uncapped players selected for the upcoming Nations League Group A1 matches against Poland at Hampden Park next Thursday and Portugal in Lisbon the following Sunday.

The 28-year-old joins Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, Sturm Graz right-back Max Johnston, and Liverpool winger Ben Doak in the 24-man roster.

Doak had initially been picked for Scotland's Euro 2024 squad but he was forced to withdraw prior to the tournament because of injury. 

While none of the four have extensive experience at the international level, they have all previously been part of the squad.

Gauld’s last call-up dates back nearly ten years, when he was selected by Gordon Strachan for a Euro 2016 qualifying series against Georgia and Poland in October 2014, shortly after moving from Dundee United to Sporting Lisbon as a young player.

Clarke recognises the need for a squad rejuvenation following what can only be described as a bitterly disappointing recent European Championships showing, and this could mark the beginning of a new era for the Scotland national team.

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“Yeah I think so," Clarke admitted when asked about handing out fresh opportunities to players. "I think I touched on it before, the challenges we've had in the summer that maybe would freshen a little bit going into this campaign. Just to have one or two different players try and give ourselves a deeper pull of damage. And that's the way it is.

“Obviously we've got some players still not with clubs. Liam Cooper and Stuart Armstrong spring to mind. Hopefully they'll be fixed up sometime this week. Still lots of injuries to deal with which is an issue. But there's lots of opportunities for us. I think.”

Explaining why Gauld has finally been given an opportunity to impress in a national team camp after years of being snubbed, the Scotland boss stated that the playmaker, who's scored nine goals from 24 MLS appearances this season, has been unlucky to sit out for so long. 

“He was in my thoughts before the tournament," said Clarke. "He's obviously chosen a different path in his career. He left Scotland as a very young man. Went out on a roundabout journey, ended up in Vancouver where he's been one of the best players, one of the most valuable players.

“He's a creative player, he's looked slightly different to the type of player that we've got. It'll be nice to have a look at him up close and personal.”

(Image: SNS)

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Clarke was speaking to the assembled media for the first time since Scotland failed to make a positive account of themselves in Germany. 

A lot has happened following the final whistle on June 23, with Callum McGregor retiring from international duty to focus on prolonging his career at Celtic. While the inquest into the way Clarke's team were set-up throughout the tournament continues to be a much-debated topic among pundits and supporters alike.

Addressing McGregor's shock decision, the former Kilmarnock boss said: “First of all, thanks to Callum for his input over the years, he's been a key player for us, we're disappointed to lose him, we're disappointed for us that he's retired, but I respect his decision.

"No one else is indicating retirement, no one else has spoken about it. It's not for me to phone them and ask them are they going to retire, that probably comes across the wrong way, they have to contact me, but nobody. Everybody's determined to go and be more successful."

On the criticism that's come his way about Scotland's performances, or lack of, Clarke acknowledged that flak is common when results don't live up to expectations.

"When you don't achieve what you want to achieve, you have to take that criticism and take it on the chin and move on," he noted.