Scotland great heaps praise on Adams
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Scotland legend Sir Kenny Dalglish believes forward Che Adams could be the missing piece in the puzzle for the Scots heading into Euro 2020.
Steve Clarke’s side are preparing to take part in their first major men’s tournament in 23 years and they have been boosted by Southampton star Adams’ decision to commit his international future to the team earlier this year.
The former England Under-20 international was handed his Scotland debut against Austria in March and he scored his first goal for the Tartan Army during their World Cup qualifying victory over the Faroe Islands that same month.
Adams, who also scored nine goals in the Premier League for Southampton this season, has since been included in Clarke’s final 26-man squad for the Euros and former Liverpool star Dalglish believes the 24-year-old could prove a key figure at the tournament.
“I think it’s important to get someone who can score goals,” Scotland’s most-capped player told reporters. “Getting Che Adams into the squad is a brilliant bonus for us.
“It’s a difficult position to fill, striker. There aren’t too many about. Not too many are born in Scotland and you can’t manufacture one. We’re grateful for him coming in and I’m sure he’ll be an asset.”
Dalglish certainly knows all about scoring goals as nobody has netted more for Scotland than the 70-year-old, who struck 30 times for his country during a 15-year international career.
The former Celtic player also represented Scotland at three World Cups during a time when the team used to qualify for major tournaments on a regular basis.
That has not been the case over recent years, but Dalglish is hopeful that this summer’s Euros can mark the return of the good times for Scotland and he feels the signs are promising, with many of the squad currently playing regularly in the Premier League.
“The stronger the depth of the squad, the better chance you have of being successful,” Dalglish added. “The players now, there are four or five who are first choices in the Premier League. It’s a while since we’ve had that and that’s good going forward.
“Stevie Clarke has done a fantastic job. The squad that he’s getting to pick from is getting stronger and deeper the longer we go on.
“There are more boys playing at the top level in the Premier League in England than what there was before when he came in. I think we’re heading positively in the right direction.”
Scotland have been drawn in Group D for Euro 2020 alongside the Czech Republic, Croatia and old rivals England.
Clarke’s side will have the honour of taking on both the Czechs and Croatia on home soil at Hampden Park, although their match with England will see them head to Wembley.
