Hearts Manager Derek McInnes Expresses Disappointment Over Scotland Squad Omissions
Derek McInnes has openly admitted his confusion and disappointment after none of his table-topping Hearts players were included in Steve Clarke's latest Scotland squad. The national team manager named a 26-man party for the forthcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast, matches that will significantly influence selections for the upcoming World Cup.
Fitness Issues and Surprising Exclusions
While Lawrence Shankland and Craig Gordon might have been considered if not for recent fitness concerns, the absence of other key performers from Hearts has raised eyebrows. Since the end of September, Hearts have climbed to the summit of the Premiership, yet players like Craig Halkett and Harry Milne were overlooked. Clarke opted instead for familiar names, including some individuals who are not featuring regularly at club level.
'Surprised, probably not. Disappointed, yeah, absolutely,' McInnes stated when questioned about the omissions ahead of Saturday's match against Dundee. 'I think we've been a really strong team this season and there's been key players within it.'
McInnes' Firm Belief in His Players
The Hearts boss emphasized that while Steve Clarke's opinion is the only one that matters in squad selection, he firmly believes his players have earned the opportunity to be part of the international setup. 'My opinion doesn't matter, I don't really like people telling me what players to pick in my team, and the only opinion that matters is Steve's, but it doesn't mean to say I think he's right with it,' McInnes explained.
He continued, 'I do think I've got players that have earned the opportunity to be part of an international set-up, but hopefully the lads' motivation keeps going, they keep doing well and hopefully in time they get there, that's the hope.' McInnes regularly discusses this with his players, expressing confidence in their ability to represent Scotland.
Clarke's Comments and Broader Context
The absence of Motherwell players from the squad also drew attention, with Stephen O'Donnell, Paul McGinn, Stephen Welsh, and Elliot Watt making strong cases this season. When asked about both teams, Clarke remarked, 'I really think both those teams have been exceptional. But maybe the team is better than the sum of the parts, which is a credit to the coaching staff and managers of both teams.' These comments have frustrated supporters of Hearts and Motherwell alike.
McInnes responded to Clarke's assessment, saying, 'Yeah, I understood the context of that. Like I say, Steve's opinion is the only one that matters when it comes to picking the Scotland squad, and I understand what he's saying with that, but it doesn't mean to say that I agree that some of my players shouldn't be in the squad.' He acknowledged Clarke's successful track record but maintained his disagreement.
Motherwell's Perspective and Future Implications
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou was not surprised by the exclusions, suggesting Clarke would likely stick with players who helped qualify for the World Cup, Scotland's first since 1998. 'I don't have the knowledge about potential players that he can pick,' Askou noted. 'Steve Clarke is in a much better position to pick his team for his style of football and for what's coming, which is a massive thing for Scottish football.'
Askou added that Motherwell's playing style differs from the national team's, which might affect how players are evaluated. Despite the disappointment, McInnes urged his squad to stay focused, using the snub as added motivation. 'There's enough motivation for them to get on with here but, if there's any added motivation to try and be part of a World Cup squad then, of course, it can only help,' he concluded.
