Former Scotland boss Alex McLeish has lifted the lid on his failed attempts to recruit Che Adams - and urged the Tartan Army to embrace the Southampton striker now he’s finally pledged allegiance.
McLeish made the first move for the then 22-year-old striker in 2019 just as he was set to leave Birmingham for Southampton in the Premier League.
Adams snubbed that approach. But McLeish bears no grudges and insists Scotland fans shouldn’t hold it against the Saints man either.
Adams has struck seven goals this season including three in his last four outings to win a call-up to Steve Clarke's squad ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifying opener against Austria at Hampden.
And McLeish told Sky Sports: “It’s brilliant. We approached Che back when he was at Birmingham. He was still young and was unsure about making the step up to international level.
“He got a really good move to Southampton in the Premier League, where it took him a wee while to show what he’s capable of, but he has good speed, is strong and is something we’ve not had for a long while.
“He won’t be fazed going into the Scottish team. He is worthy of that.
“He’s playing in the Premier League against some of the best defenders in the world and is learning a lot there.”
Expanding on his conversations with Adams back in early 2019 McLeish said: “I think at the time he felt he wasn’t ready to make the commitment to anybody. At Birmingham in the Championship he wouldn’t have got into England’s squad anyway.
“I think there was a move in the offing when I tried to get him. It was almost a certainty he would go to the Premier League.
“He wanted to take his time and I don’t think he should be chastised for that.
“He has pledged his allegiance to Scotland and that’s good news.
“He definitely has the ability to make a wee difference to the Scottish team up front.”
