Steve Clarke explains Ben Doak surprise Scotland call up as Liverpool starlet offers different attacking element
Steve Clarke has revealed his decision-making process behind adding Ben Doak to the Scotland provisional squad for Euro 2024.
The young Liverpool starlet, 18, has never been capped at A-team level for his country but has been on the fringes of a shout from Clarke in recent squads. He has, however, played a number of times for the under-21s in Scot Gemmill's squads. He's an exciting prospect, for the head coach, who has been keeping a close eye on his progress for some time.
Doak has been missing for the Reds this term with some injury issues having burst onto the scene earlier under Jurgen Klopp and playing six times. But Clarke believes now is the time to add Doak to his main squad - at least for the early 28-man team - to get an even closer look and work with him on an individual level.
"Ben's got a lot of talent," Clarke told the gathered press after naming his squad. "He catches the eye and his pace will be something we haven't got in abundance.
"He offers something different. He's a young man with a lot to learn, but I've never worked closely with him yet, so it seems the right opportunity to put him in.
"With the squad moving from 23 to 26 I thought it was something I had to do, so let's see how he does."