Steve Clarke has challenged Scotland to produce a much better display in Wednesday’s Nations League match with Ukraine than they managed in their World Cup play-off defeat earlier this year.
The Scots were well beaten in the last meeting between the teams at the start of June as Oleksandr Petrakov’s team – playing their first match since the Russian invasion of their homeland began in February – performed impressively to win 3-1 on an emotional night at Hampden.
Clarke is hoping for a much better showing when the sides are reunited in Glasgow on Wednesday.
“I don’t think it will have the same edge because that game in June was pretty unique with the circumstances leading into it,” said Clarke, when asked how this week’s match will compare with the World Cup play-off.
Ready for matchday 💪#SCOUKR pic.twitter.com/jlynCnsb5C
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 20, 2022
“It’ll be slightly different but it’s still a big game for two teams that want to top the section. I think the Scottish public, the Scottish fans now will know that Ukraine are a very good team.
“I’m sure they will play to the same level but what I’m looking for from our team is that we get back to the level that we can and then we’ll see what the result is.
“I think the players knew what to expect in the summer but we just didn’t reach our levels. Hopefully this time we do.”
Scotland, who have won two of their three games in the current Nations League campaign, can leapfrog Ukraine at the top of the section if they win on Wednesday. Clarke is well aware of the tournament’s importance after previously securing a Euro 2020 play-off through winning their Nations League group.
“It’s important, the Nations League is important, as we know because we qualified for Euro 2020 through the Nations League,” said Clarke, whose side host Ireland on Saturday before facing Ukraine again in Warsaw next Tuesday.
“We also know if we have a good week we could be seeded for the draw for Euro 2024 so it’s an important competition.”
Clarke has no plans to call anyone else into the squad before Wednesday’s match despite losing three players to injury.
Striker Jacob Brown, defender Grant Hanley and goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin all withdrew over the weekend, with Rangers shot-stopper Robby McCrorie the only player called up so far to fill the gaps.
“Certainly not before the first game,” said Clarke, when asked if there would be further additions.
“We’ll monitor the situation but I’ve got more than enough in the squad to cover the first game.
“I’m disappointed to lose more players but we knew some of them (the call-offs) were coming. We’ve just got to deal with it and move on.
“Maybe after the game on Wednesday we’ll have to call some people into the squad but we’ll take it game by game.”
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