Steve Clarke might find himself under increased scrutiny as Scotland manager after his decision to call up Rangers midfielder Connor Barron to the national squad on Tuesday, 3 September.
The Tartan Army is gearing up for its first international break since the disappointment of their Euro campaign over the summer. Scotland is set to face Poland and Portugal in the opening games of the Nations League, hoping for a strong start to restore some pride.
However, Clarke’s latest squad announcement has left many supporters underwhelmed, particularly due to the inclusion of Barron, who is receiving his first senior call-up.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who made a summer switch to Rangers from Aberdeen, has found himself at the center of criticism following a challenging start to life at Ibrox.
Rangers have endured a tough beginning to the season, having been knocked out of the Champions League and suffering another demoralizing defeat in the Old Firm derby. While Barron is not solely to blame, his form has been questioned.
Barron has started six of Rangers’ seven games in all competitions so far this season but struggled, notably in the clash against Celtic where he appeared out of his depth.
Despite these struggles, Clarke’s decision to include him in the national team has raised eyebrows, particularly given the recent struggles of both Rangers and the national side.
In fairness to Barron, he has shown glimpses of promise and has been one of the few positives in what has otherwise been a difficult start to the season under Philippe Clement.
However, his inclusion in the national team at this stage feels like a risky move, especially considering the current state of the national team.
Many see Clarke’s decision as a desperate attempt to shake things up, but it remains to be seen whether Barron’s presence will be the boost Scotland needs or simply another point of contention for frustrated fans.