Scotland secured promotion to League A of the Nations League and with that a Euro 2024 play-off spot - but Steve Clarke reckons they WON'T need it.
The Dark Blues went into their clash with Ukraine knowing they only had to avoid defeat to secure top spot in the section after a 3-0 triumph over the same opponent last week before following that up with a 2-1 success over the Republic of Ireland at Hampden.
They did just that as they shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw to become the only home nation represented in the top tier of the next tournament, and they got the added bonus of a pot 2 seed for the Euro 2024 qualifying section and a play-off spot before it even begins - should they need it.
READ MORE: Scotland player ratings v Ukraine as Craig Gordon and Callum McGregor among key men in big result
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But Clarke believes his group of players won't require the safety cushion as he issued a reminder to the SFA over his contract situation with his deal up before the next Nations League campaign.
On the League B triumph, he said: “I said to the players before the game, ‘Let’s make the next step’.
“We could show everyone were improving and we knew how to get there.
“I said, ‘Let’s make sure WE take the next step because we will feel good about ourselves'.
“Now we are in pot 2 and have reached the Group A of the Nations League, we don’t want to stop.
“We want to keep getting better.
“The play-off is also secured but I don’t think with this group of players we will need it.”
Asked about the Tartan Army being excited at possible opponents in the top tier of the Nations League, he laughed: “So will the next head coach!
“My contract is up before then…I’m just mentioning that.”
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