John Carver insists Scotland’s stars are straining at the leash ahead of their massive Euro 2020 opener as he admitted there have been some “sleepless nights” over team selection.
And Steve Clarke’s sidekick has urged them to believe they can make history and become the nation’s first ever squad of players to get out of the group stage.
Geordie Carver admitted he will be bursting with pride when he stands on the Wembley touchline for the second Group D fixture but is fully focused on Monday’s clash with Czech Republic.
And he revealed Arsenal star and key man Tierney will be fit, despite not taking full part in the latest training session at their north east training base.
Asked about Tierney, Carver said: “Kieran’s on a different programme. A few players in the group are in different programmes and he’s one of them.
“A couple of guys didn’t train and did their own little bits and pieces. Everyone is up to speed. John (Fleck, who was restricted after a positive Covid test) has done some extra work.
“Everyone is at different stages so they have different programmes but 26 guys are ready to go.”
Vastly experienced Carver, who worked with Clarke during his lengthy association with hometown club Newcastle United, has challenged the squad to make history.
He said: “I’m expecting us to get out of the group going into this tournament. The guys are confident enough do that.
“If we can achieve something never achieved by a Scotland men’s national team then that’s what we’re looking for.
“We don’t want to just arrive at the tournament and say ‘we’re happy to be here’. We know these guys have got ability and they have to believe in it.
“I keep telling them how good they are because I’ve worked at the top level of English Premier League football and these boys have got to start believing they are good enough to go to the next level.
“We went to Serbia which is a difficult place to go. The expectations were it would be extremely difficult but the players performed at the highest level so I’ve got no fears going into a tournament like this.
“I've never seen a crowd in Hampden either so it will be a huge boost. The fact there were 5000 in the stadium in Israel in March made a difference so I’m looking forward to the Tartan Army going crazy.”
Carver can’t wait to walk out at Wembley and said: “I’m looking forward to going to Wembley and will be proud as punch when I’m standing on the touchline with both national anthems.
“Yes, I am an Englishman but I’m a proud Scotsman as well. But Czech Republic is most important and all the focus is going onto that game.
“When you look around the place and walk across to the training ground and see Euro 2020 with the big Scotland flag on the side of the coaches and see the Scotland flag at the hotel you know you’re ready.”
