JOHN FLECK sees a bit of his Sheffield United gaffer Chris Wilder in the way Steve Clarke goes about his business with Scotland.
With the exception of Andy Robertson, the national team will go into March’s Euro 2020 play-off ties with a squad devoid of huge stars yet happy to trade that off for the hard work and organisation they feel can make them a match for anyone on their day.
Such principles see the newly-promoted Blades sitting fifth in the Premier League table right now, just one spot below Manchester City, and the former Rangers youth doesn’t see why a similar underdog story can’t unfold with Scotland. While Clarke is the reigning football writers’ manager of the year, Wilder is the current holder of the LMA award south of the border.
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“He’s a winner and he’s very honest, straight down the middle,” said Fleck of his club manager. “What you see is what you get with him. Whether he’s speaking to the press or the boys in the changing room, he’s always the same – a bit like the gaffer with Scotland. He’s great as well. He works you hard but it’s also enjoyable.”
Fleck was hoping for more minutes during this double header but he was delighted to come off the bench to have a hand in Scotland’s third goal against Kazakhstan.
“Obviously, it’s disappointing when you’re not getting the minutes under your belt but we’re all in this together,” said the midfielder (right), who takes on Manchester United this weekend. “From a personal point of view, it was great to come on against Kazakhstan and contribute to one of the goals; any time you come on you want to make an impact.
“Overall, it’s been an enjoyable camp. It’s not been a great campaign but we’ve had a great end to it, with three wins in a row, and we can take that into those massive games in March.”
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