Scotland’s Clarke is open to new players but loyal to ‘core group’

Clark (62 years old) resides in England, and noted that “it was very surprising to feel the mood of the nation” during his recent trips to Scotland.

“Everyone is caught up in World Cup fever and that’s great,” he told BBC Scotland. “Everyone should be happy to have us there.

“Everyone is quite into me at the moment, which is nice, but that’s not always the case.”

Clark, a keen angler, was speaking after helping to launch the salmon fishing season on the River Tay at Kinclaven Bridge.

“I find fishing just relaxing,” he said. “Your head can be full of a lot of things. You start the day with your head in a mess, and by the time you’re done fishing, all you can think about is catching a fish.

“You have to relax your mind a little bit. I enjoy the solitude, the peace and quiet and spending time with myself.

“There is pressure at work, every time. Everyone will highlight the big moments and the big tournaments, but every time I coach Scotland, when you take over as head coach, you feel the pressure.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a small friendly match or a major tournament match, I always feel that pressure, I always feel the weight of expectations.

“I always want my team to give the best possible performance. In football, that’s not always possible but I know the players I have give 100% every time they pull on a Scotland shirt.”