Steve Clarke quells Lennon Miller Scotland call-up expectations despite Motherwell exploits

Steve Clarke insists Lennon Miller needs time to develop at Motherwell before being thrown into the Scotland squad.

The teenage sensation has emerged as the hottest prospect in Scottish football after a string of standout displays at Fir Park. Miller was handed the captain's armband against Rangers as the 18-year-old led out Well in yesterday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat at Hampden.

Some fans and punters were keen to see the talented midfielder earn a senior call-up for this month's Nations League double-header against Croatia and Poland. But Clarke believes the highly-talented youngster isn't ready to feature in the senior national set-up.

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He said: "He's another young one that everybody wants to hype and push. It's important to let young players grow. Let's just allow Lennon a little bit of time and space to grow up at Motherwell."

On Miller's rise to stardom, Clarke added: "It makes my job easier because you want to have as many difficult choices as you can. You want to have as many good players as you can, so the more young players coming through, the better it is for everybody in Scotland.

"It's already been mentioned in one of the reports that came out recently that we don't produce enough players. Well, hopefully we can in the future."

Meanwhile Clarke has been boosted by the returns of centre-backs Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna, Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway. Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland and Celtic left-back Greg Taylor have also been selected after dropping out last month through injury.

Clarke said: "It's always good to get the players back, a little bit more regular around the squad. But, listen, the boys that came in last month did a good job for us as well. So I'm pleased to have some of the boys back."

There is a doubt over Torino forward Che Adams, who picked up a thigh injury at the weekend. "It will be scanned and assessed by his club," Clarke said. "We'll find out later in the week whether or not he'll join up."