Scotland ramp up bid to poach Premier League star for World Cup and Ally McCoist says ‘it is a no-brainer’
Ally McCoist has strongly backed Scotland supervisor Steve Clarke in his bid to influence Harvey Barnes to signify the nation.
Barnes, who has one England cap to his title, is eligible to play for the Tartan Military as he has Scottish grandparents.
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He has beforehand spoken about switching allegiances, which he’s nonetheless allowed to do as his Three Lions look got here in a pleasant and he would not have greater than three caps in whole.
Talking in November, he performed down reviews that he may stroll away from his England hopes and turn into a Scotland worldwide.
Nonetheless, three months on, additional rumours have arisen, with The Telegraph stating that supervisor Clarke has made a brand new try and try to persuade him to play for his staff.
Clarke is alleged to have promised Barnes a spot in Scotland’s World Cup 2026 squad, following their historic qualification marketing campaign.
And the push to name up the Newcastle winger for his grandparents’ nation is one thing that Scottish icon McCoist is a big fan of.
McCoist stated on talkSPORT Breakfast on Tuesday: “No-brainer.
“Give it some thought, the place is he taking part in now? Newcastle. So it is a hop, skip and a leap over the border. Travelling’s not an issue.
“He is assured to get into the squad, he’ll play. He’ll play with John McGinn, Scott McTominay…”
Co-host Gabby Agbonlahor then appeared to wish to interject, till a sure McCoist reduce in once more to cement his level.
“There is no ‘however’ about it, he is getting in there!” the Scotsman stated.
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Potential controversy?
Former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor went on to query whether or not it will be proper for Barnes to take a spot in Scotland’s World Cup squad after by no means taking part in for them beforehand.
“He’d be excellent for Scotland, in fact,” he admitted. “He is scored plenty of objectives this season, within the type of his profession.
“However, for example he takes your place, and you are a left winger for Scotland, and you have finished all of the onerous yards of getting your nation to a World Cup…”
McCoist responded: “It is not Steve Clarke‘s job to be involved about how he may upset individuals.
“It is his job to get the perfect for the nation and the staff. And if it is the perfect for the nation and staff shifting ahead…
“If I am a Scotland participant, I would suppose the alternative, I believe ‘nice’, an addition to the squad that is going to assist us do properly.”
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Agbonlahor then argued that some Scots might imagine that Barnes is utilizing the nation as a final resort to get to a World Cup.
However McCoist stood together with his sturdy stance, saying: “Hear Harvey, it is 94 miles up the street, get your self in a automotive and see Steve.
“Get the deal finished…when’s Barnes ever going to get the prospect to pull on a Scotland jersey and play in opposition to Brazil in Miami?”
‘Neglect it, mate’
Barnes should wish to maintain out hope for a spot in England’s World Cup squad, contemplating his unimaginable kind this season.
He’ll imagine that Thomas Tuchel may embrace him after scoring 12 objectives and offering two assists in 36 video games this season, together with 5 within the Champions League for Newcastle.
However McCoist would not need him to waste his time, saying: “Harvey, overlook it, mate, you are not entering into the England squad.
“The competitors he is acquired…he is not getting in earlier than Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke.”
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