John Kennedy has backed all six Scotland hopefuls, to make the squad that is heading to the Euros this summer.
As quoted by the Glasgow Times, Kennedy believes that Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie, David Turnbull, Greg Taylor, Leigh Griffiths and James Forrest are all in contention for Steve Clarke’s squad which is announced on Wednesday as they prepare to head to this summers European Championships.
James Forrest
“I don’t know what Steve is thinking,” he said. “But in term of us, we know where the players are at. We just want as many of our guys as possible to get in there because it will be a great experience for them.
“It is good for both the players and the club that they are part of that. Again, we will just need to be patient on that. But all the players are in contention. Steve will be the man to make that tough decision.
“Scotland have done well, but James is somebody you look to if you want to change a game or be very attacking-minded. He is an example of somebody that can give you that creativity.
“James is somebody I would imagine would be in Steve’s thoughts, if not selected. But that will be Steve’s call again. James has been a big player for us. Hopefully Steve sees that the same way.”
“Dave Turnbull who has played all of the games and become a really important player for us. I see that Kenny McLean got injured, so there could be an opening there.”
Ryan Christie
“Ryan has come in for a bit of criticism, but working with him on a daily basis and seeing the quality of him I know he is a top lad and a top player. I think given what he has done for Scotland he will be one of the first picks in the squad.
“The Serbia game was a realisation all the worked he has put in over the years has taken him to the biggest stage in football. So I am absolutely delighted for him. He always comes in with a smile on his face and works as hard as he possibly can.
“He has been a great player for us and hopefully he can carry that into the Euros in the summer and do the job for the country as well.”
Leigh Griffiths
“In the past you have seen that in certain games he has scored some big goals,” he said. “Again, it is one where Steve has options there. He will have to look at what the balance is. Leigh has certainly not had as much game time as he would have liked, but that is part of competition within a squad at a club like this.
“But he is still a huge threat. He is a goalscorer, he has proven that over the years. Especially when you can dominate games. When you get him in and around the box and give him a good supply he is a deadly finisher.
“He is probably different from the other strikers in the squad, from what Steve has. He will probably be looking at the balance of that and what the right fit is going into this competition.”
Greg Taylor
“Personally I would (select him),” he said. “Steve in the main plays with a back five. Kieran Tierney tends to be his left centre back and then obviously Andy Robertson is wing back. So you have two top players in front of you.
“But the make-up of your squad is not just about your starters, it is about the balance and the personnel and Greg is a great type. Even the times he has found himself out if the team here, he is the first guy out on the training pitch. He works as hard as he possibly can and he is a great personality to have around the dressing room.
“Steve knows him very well from his time at Kilmarnock and on the international scene so he knows Greg as much as I do and again he is a good option to have because he never lets you down. He does the best job he possibly can and you go with that as well.”
In a way, this group of six players is probably spilt into three when it comes to their chances of making the Euros.
There are of course a few players from the Hoops who are more likely to be included in Clarke’s 26 man squad with both Ryan Chrisite and Callum McGregor being regulars for him thus far.
Then, the outside shouts who look like they will be in with a big chance of sneaking in with David Turnbull and James Forrest.
And finally, the last two with Greg Taylor and Leigh Griffiths feel like they will miss the cut, however, you wouldnt completely right them off because of their past in the squad in recent months.
It is always good to see the club’s players representing their nations at international tournament but it will be an even greater one with it being our nation of Scotland for the first time in over 20 years.
