- By Jane Lewis
- ` Scotland at the Scotland training camp in Turkey
22 minutes ago
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Jack Hendry has played in 26 of Steve Clarke’s 49 games as Scotland head coach
Head coach Steve Clarke is the “foundation” for Scotland’s upturn in form, emphasizes defender Jack Hendry.
Clarke has led Scotland to back-to-back European Championship finals, this time with two qualifiers remaining.
Thursday’s visit to Georgia will be his 50th game as coach and he is seeking his 25th win.
“The manager has been great for the whole group both individually and collectively,” Hendry said.
“He sets high standards and believes in us, he gives us the belief to go out and perform. He’s very good at that.”
“Tactically, it puts us in a position where we believe we can get results against bigger nations.”
“The way the gaffer delivers news and the way he works makes the boys believe in it and feed off it.
“He was the cornerstone of what happened with the national team.”
Former West Bromwich Albion, Reading and Kilmarnock head coach Clarke took over the Scotland job in May 2019.
In March he signed a contract extension until 2026.
Since Tommy Docherty’s 12-game reign in 1971/72, only Alex McLeish can boast a better win percentage from his 10 games in 2007.
And Clarke’s impressive statistics have taken a hit with three consecutive defeats against England, Spain and France.
“He continues to progress in the group,” added Hendry, who has played all but one of his 27 international matches under Clarke. “We have to continue this and not stand still.
“It’s really fun to play against Scotland. We have built a tight group and that helps. Everyone mixes and integrates, there are no cliques.”
“For me the manager was brilliant and I can’t praise him enough. Hopefully it’s a relationship that lasts.”
“The Saudi league will be one of the strongest in the world”
Hendry, 28, moved to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia in the summer and spoke to Clarke about the move. He received assurances that it would have no impact on his international career.
He is coached by Steven Gerrard and has Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and former Celtic team-mate Moussa Dembele at his side.
“I play against world-class strikers and that can only improve my game,” he said.
“Every day I learn from people like Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, who have been at the highest level.”
Earlier this month, a row with Ronaldo made headlines and earned the centre-back the Portuguese superstar’s jersey.
“The standard is high and, looking ahead to the 2032 World Cup, there will be a real push for further improvement,” he added. “I am sure that very soon it will be one of the strongest leagues in the world.”
While a place in Germany next summer is already booked, Scotland, who sit behind Spain in Group A on goal difference, know that away wins against Georgia and home wins against Norway on Sunday would guarantee top two status for the tournament draw.
In the unlikely event that Spain gets through against Cyprus away and Georgia at home, things could be better.
Hendry expects a tough game in Tbilisi, where Scotland lost in 2015 and 2007.
“We will not be complacent,” he said. “We always want to win every game and after three really tough games it is now important to get back up.”
“We are fully focused and motivated to make this happen.”
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