STEVE Clarke has backed the Tartan Army to show their solidarity with the people of war-torn Ukraine before kick-off in the Qatar 2022 play-off semi-final at Hampden tonight – then roar Scotland to victory.
Clarke appreciates the entire football world will be rooting for Oleksandr Petrakov’s side when they take to the field in their first competitive fixture since the Russian invasion back in February in Glasgow this evening.
The national manager is certain the visitors will get a warm reception from the sell-out 52,000-strong crowd before kick-off – but he has no doubts the supporters will be a 12th man for Andy Robertson and his team mates when play gets underway.
“The fans can be massive for us, massive,” he said. “We all saw the power of the fans in the Israel game (the Qatar 2022 qualifier in October) which was the biggest indicator of that. When you’ve got the fans onside and they’re behind you, the team can play right to the end. It took a late, late goal to beat Israel.
“So the fans can be massive for us. We will respect the Ukrainian national anthem and we will applaud the Ukrainian national anthem. Then from there they have to sing their hearts out, get behind the team and drive the team on.”
Clarke added: “We focus on the football, but obviously the situation is there. I think I said way back in time that I hoped the game goes ahead in June because the situation might have improved. Unfortunately, the situation hasn’t improved which is horrible for everybody that’s involved in the war.
“But we have to focus on the football match and I don’t think the Ukrainian team would want it any other way. Their coach Oleksandr has said they are ready for the game. We are ready for the game. It’s a game of football and hopefully the best team wins. And hopefully we’ll be the best team”
Clarke revealed that Nathan Patterson, the Everton right back who has not played since undergoing an ankle operation at the start of last month, will not feature against Ukraine. However, he is confident he is well covered at right wing back.
“Nathan Patterson won’t make the first game,” he said. “The timeline is just too short. He hasn’t aggravated the injury, he’s just run out of time. It was always going to be tight and he’s actually a week ahead of schedule which is great. It means his rehab has gone really well, but he won’t be ready for the first game.
“We have good options all over the pitch as we have picked a lot of bodies to cover for various situations and we sort of half pre-empted this one with Nathan anyway.
“It was great this morning to have everyone in the camp. Scott McKenna was the last one. He joined up last night so we had everyone for the first time and it was nice to get them all together. They are all buzzing and desperate for the game.”
Asked if Patterson could play against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday if Scotland beat Ukraine, Clarke said: “Yes, possibly. We’ll have to see how he gets on through the week, but he looks good.”
