Scotland will get the benefit of a “slightly different” type of player after Ryan Gauld received his first call up in a decade for next month’s Nations League games.
The Vancouver Whitecaps captain, who was included in the senior squad in 2014 but did not feature under then-head coach Gordon Strachan, could make his international debut against Poland or Portugal next month.
Clarke, who was speaking for the first time since Scotland’s dismal Euro 2024 campaign, revealed the 28-year-old “was in my thoughts before the tournament”.
“He has chosen a different path in his career, left Scotland as a young man, and on a round-about journey ended up in Vancouver, where he has been one of the best players and is one of the most valuable players,” the head coach said.
“He is a creative player, slightly different to the type we have got, and it will be nice to have a look at him up close and personal.”
Gauld moved to Sporting in 2014 after breaking through at Dundee United as a 16-year-old, and spent much of his career in Portugal until moving to MLS in 2021.
He has shone in Canada since, scoring 32 goals in 102 appearances and earning the captaincy at Whitecaps.