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Steve Clarke has not sought any kind of guarantees from Elliot Anderson about the midfielder\u2019s Scotland future.<\/p>\n
The \u00a0Whitley Bay-born Newcastle United player, who has a Scottish grandmother, has played at youth level for both Scotland and England.<\/p>\n
The 20-year-old was called up by the Scotland boss for the first time for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus in Larnaca on Friday and the challenge match against England at Hampden Park next week after deciding against switching allegiance to England following positive discussions with Clarke.<\/p>\n
However, \u00a0Anderson officially withdrew from the squad on Wednesday night after picking up an injury in training.<\/p>\n
Asked at the pre-match media conference in Cyprus if he had sought any assurances from Anderson, the Scotland boss said: \u201cNo. He just went home.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Scotland boss had already been asked if he had any fears surrounding international allegiances, and had said: \u201cIt is not something I can control.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s not a lot I can do about it. Obviously (disappointing not to have the chance to work with Elliot), that\u2019s why we brought him into the squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cDisappointing to lose Elliot and Liam (Kelly) on the same day but that\u2019s part and parcel of international football, you deal with it.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously we had to replaced Liam because we couldn\u2019t come with two goalkeepers so we brought in young Robby (McCrorie). who has been part of the squad before, he understands. We didn\u2019t need to replace Elliot because we have enough midfielders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scotland top Group A with four wins from four and have gone eight competitive games without defeat.<\/p>\n
An expected victory against Cyprus, who were beaten 3-0 at Hampden Park, could see Scotland qualify for a second successive Euros next Tuesday if results elsewhere go their way.<\/p>\n
However, Clarke \u2013 whose side is expected to be backed by around 6,000 fans in a stadium which has a capacity of 8,058 \u2013 played down the exciting prospect of going to Germany next summer.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI am not really the excitable kind, am I? Just concentrating on the game coming up. The players are in a good place, they are a good place in the group.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt halfway we have maximum points, you can\u2019t do much better than that. Some of the moments within the game we can improve on.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t think for a minute that we are the finished article, we will look to improve and the players have said that we will. We want to keep improving and improving but always respect the opponent.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be difficult. They are a proud team, proud to represent their country, Cyprus. They are always difficult opponents for us. Two late goals probably put a little gloss on the scoreline (at Hampden) so we expect a tough game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Much is being made of the high temperatures in Cyprus but Clarke was relaxed about the 9.45pm local time kick-off.<\/p>\n
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He said: \u201cWhen we came off the plane last night at the back of 10 the conditions were OK.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was pretty hot in Norway when we went there so we have some experience and it was nice and sunny in Glasgow when we left so you just have to deal with the conditions as they are and make sure we get the result that we want.\u201d<\/p>\n