Steve Clarke has called for calm over expectations surrounding Ben Doak, warning against overhyping the 18-year-old winger after Scotland's 4-1 friendly victory over the USA. The manager stressed the need to protect the youngster and ensure he fulfils his potential over the long term.
Doak impressed in Saturday's defeat to Croatia, giving Manchester City's £77m defender Josko Gvardiol a difficult night. However, Clarke noted that his final ball still needs improvement, and pointed to past examples of players like Oliver Burke, Barry Bannan and John Fleck who were built up too early and failed to sustain their early promise.
'You've always got the balancing act,' Clarke said. 'We know Ben is a talent. We want him here for the next 15 years, not the next 15 months. Don't put too much pressure on him — he's just a young man. He will make mistakes, he will do some really good things. Sometimes in the past there have been players that have been a little bit overhyped that don't fulfil their potential.'
Doak, who replaced Burke as a substitute, has yet to complete 90 minutes for club or country. Clarke will decide whether to start him against Portugal, but insisted the winger is physically ready. 'Physically he's ready, yeah, for sure. It's just whether I choose to start him or not, that will be my choice.'
