Zander Clark hoping to stay in Scotland boss Steve Clarke's thoughts

The goalkeeper started both matches for Scotland this November

Author: Gabriel AntoniazziPublished 20th Nov 2023

Zander Clark will return to Hearts looking to book his place in Scotland's Euro 2024 squad for Germany next summer.

In the absence of Norwich's Angus Gunn, the goalkeeper was handed his first start ahead of Liam Kelly for the already-qualified Scots in the 2-2 draw against Georgia on Thursday.

And he kept his place for the final Group A game against Norway at Hampden Park where he took part in a 3-3 thriller.

Aron Donnum fired the visitors ahead in the third minute before Scotland captain John McGinn levelled from the spot 10 minutes later.

Norway restored their lead through Jorgen Larsen in the 20th minute before an own goal in the 33rd minute by Leo Ostigard had the Scots level again.

After the break a fine strike by Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong was cancelled out by a late header from Norway substitute Mohamed Elyounoussi.

Clark will soon find himself under pressure at Hearts from Scotland keeper Craig Gordon, who is on his way back from a double leg break and will also be looking to return to the international fold, but the former St Johnstone player has his own ambitions.

Clark said: "It has been a great experience. I have loved every minute of it.

"It is all about going back to club level and put in performances that keeps me in the manager's thoughts.

"It would be a massive achievement (getting picked for Euros), it is a proud moment as it is, every time you see your name in the squad.

"So it is down to myself to go back to club level and put in performances that keep the manager thinking I could be in it.

"Obviously we wanted to finish with a win at home. It wasn't to be but we are jubilant that we managed to get ourselves where we wanted to be at the start of this qualifying campaign, so spirits are high.

"It was good to get back in front of the home support after qualifying, it was a good evening."

--

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.