03 June 2024 , 08:28
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Scotland boss Steve Clarke has warned not to "overhype or overpush" Liverpool starlet Ben Doak ahead of Euro 2024.
Doak was a surprise call-up to Scotland's provisional squad given the teenager has been out of action since undergoing knee surgery in December and he is now one of just three available forwards after Lyndon Dykes suffered an ankle injury.
The injury has ruled the QPR star out of the Euros altogether and Clarke is yet to decide whether he will pick another striker to replace him, admitting the loss of Dykes is a major blow for Scotland.
"Nobody replicates what Lyndon brings," he said. "Lyndon brings what he does, what his qualities are. One of the best phone calls I have ever made as the head coach of Scotland was to Lyndon, right at the very start when he had the option of Scotland or Australia.
"Since then we have had a great relationship. Lyndon is devastated that he is not going but I am really disappointed myself that he is not going. It wasn't good." And when asked if the injury could leave the door open for Doak, Clarke urged caution.
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"Listen, Ben is in the squad to gain experience, to work with us," he added. "He has been out [injured] for four and a half months so let's not put too much on Ben. He will be available [for Gibraltar], maybe some minutes off the bench.
"But let's keep Ben in the right place. Let's not overhype or overpush him. Let's do it properly." However, speaking ahead of the friendly against Gilbratar, Doak insisted he is ready for the Euros.
Liverpool starlet Ben Doak has been named in Scotland's provisional squad for Euro 2024 (UEFA via Getty Images)"He [Clarke] spoke to me when I arrived, asked me how I was feeling," Doak said. "I was quick to let him know that I'm fit and ready to play. I've been training for two/three weeks now, I feel great.
"We're all kicking the same ball. If you're good enough to be on the pitch, you're got to be up to the level. I'm here to fight for a place. Where that place is I don't know because we don't play with wingers, but I'll play where I'm told and do it to the best of my ability."
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