'Scottish Messi' shows Steve Clarke what he's missing after not making Euro 2024 squad

Scotland boss Steve Clarke could be kicking himself for leaving a player once dubbed the 'Scottish Messi' out of his Euro 2024 squad after he bagged a brace at the weekend.

Aberdeen-born Ryan Gauld burst onto the football scene in emphatic fashion back in 2012 after signing his first professional contract with Dundee United. The following year, he was being linked with the likes of Manchester United during David Moyes' tenure, while Real Madrid, Roma and Liverpool were also said to be interested in the then teenage talent.

Compared to a young Lionel Messi at the time due to his style of play and size of just 5ft6, a big-club move never came to fruition for Gauld, who instead ended up moving to Sporting CP in 2014, where he would only make two appearances due to loan moves to Vitória de Setúbal, Aves, Farense and Hibs.

The 28-year-old has been playing for Vancouver Whitecaps since 2021, making 95 appearances and scoring 32 goals to date – his two most recent coming during the weekend's MLS game with New England. While the Whitecaps would be beaten 3-2 away from home, Gauld would have a huge impact on the game and walk away with it with a brace to his name.

Despite impressing for Vancouver in the past three years, the attacking midfielder continues to be overlooked by his country. Speaking earlier this year he said: "Every player has the ambition to play for their national team, no matter what point of the career they are at. That's one of the main goals.

"If I was to ever be called up I would be delighted but at the same time, it's not something I look for or expect. But obviously one of my dreams is to play for Scotland and to have that opportunity would be amazing."

Despite a now budding career, Scotland boss Clarke decided to leave Gauld out of the squad playing at the current Euro 2024 tournament in Germany – instead opting to take the likes of Callum McGregor and Stuart Armstrong. However, it's a move that could prove costly, with the Tartan Army already struggling in the competition.

A 5-1 thrashing from hosts Germany in their opening game disheartened fans north of the border, with matters made worse when Ryan Porteous was shown a straight red for a rash challenge on Ilkay Gundogan. Clarke's side are currently bottom of Group A, and are yet to play Switzerland or Hungary.