Ben Doak inclusion for Euro 2024 explained as Scotland believe in Liverpool star unlike the rest

Steve Clarke has explained his reasoning for including Ben Doak in his provisional Scotland squad for the Euros, and reckons the winger's "pace in abundance" gives the side a totally different threat going forward.

Despite having been out of action since December with a serious knee injury, the Liverpool youngster has been named in the 28-man squad, which will be trimmed to 26 before the Scots' tournament opener against hosts Germany on Friday, June 14. The ex Celtic kid has been called up to Clarke's senior squad for the first time after previously impressing in the U21 side, and the national team boss is looking forward to seeing what the pacey wideman can do when the squad meet up next month.

Speaking to the media following the squad announcement, Clarke said: "Ben has a lot of talent, he catches your eye, the pace is something we haven't got in abundance. It's a little bit different, he's young and has a lot to learn in the game. I have never had the chance to work closely with Ben so it just seemed like the right opportunity with the squad going from 23 to 26.

"It was something I thought I should do. We will have a look at Ben and see how he does."

Clarke also moved to quash any talk that Newcastle full back Tino Livramento was close to pledging his services to Scotland in a bid to make the squad. Injuries to Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey have left the Scots short in the right back department, but Clarke says that Livramento, who currently represents England at U21 level, has not made a decision to switch his allegiances ahead of the finals in Germany.

He added: "Tino's an England Under-21 international. He qualifies for England, Scotland, Portugal.

"At the moment he's chosen England so that's the way it is."