“We’re under no illusions about the size of the task”: Steve Clarke ahead of Morocco test | OneFootball

How do Scotland take points from Morocco? The question on the lips of every member of the Tartan Army this morning. Well, head coach Steve Clarke has spoken to the media to try to put fans at ease.

The first piece of good news for Scotland fans came by way of confirmation of Scott McTominay’s fitness, with Clarke saying, “I think the Haiti game was a struggle for a lot of the players, not just Scott. Scott’s in a good place and ready to go again.” McTominay is likely to play a key role in Scotland’s remaining two group games against Brazil and Morocco if they are to progress to the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

The 62-year-old went on to add that today’s game is “absolutely” as hard as the Brazil one that is to come next week.

“Any time you play a team inside the world’s top 10, you know you’re going to have to be good without and with the ball.

“We’re under no illusions about the size of the task for the next game. Morocco reached the last four in the last World Cup, and I think this team are slightly better than that – that gives you an idea of the task ahead.”

When asked about the mood around the camp, the head coach said, “The players feel good about themselves. They wanted to win a game at a major tournament, and they’ve done that. Now we want to do the next step, which is to get what we need from the next two games to make a little bit of history for Scotland. Today, training was electric, and yeah, we feel good.”

The 1-0 win over Haiti was Scotland’s first victory at a major tournament for 30 years.

Clarke rounded off his press conference by talking about the Scotland fans and the impression they have made in Boston so far; “They are very, very positive, wherever they go, they create a great impression.

“I think the people in Boston have probably recognised [they’ve enjoyed themselves].”

Finally, Scotland fan Donny Strathie sadly passed away this week, and Clarke passed on his condolences. “Among all the good news that’s come out of the World Cup with Scotland, it’s obviously very sad for his family. Donny’s ambition was to see Scotland at a World Cup again, and thankfully he managed to do that before he passed. My thoughts and condolences to his family.”