DAVID CLARKSON dared not even hope that he would be involved in Scotland's friendly against the Czech Republic after earning his first-call up this week.
But the Motherwell striker was celebrating his first international goal instead on what prove
d to be a memorable night in Prague.
The Scots suffered their first defeat of the George Burley era when they slumped to a 3-1 defeat yesterday after a double from former Rangers midfielder Libor Sionko and a further Michal Kadlec goal.
But, as far as Clarkson was concerned, nothing could ruin his big night after his appearance as a second-half substitute.
He said: "Overall I'm just thrilled because just being involved in the squad is something I look upon as a great achievement. I just came here looking to enjoy it and that's what's happened. It's a magnificent time for me. I couldn't have ever imagined this happening to me a few short months ago, as a kid you only dream of playing for your country.
"When I got the call I was made up because I didn't ever expect it – I didn't want to get my hopes up in case I didn't get a game.
"Coming here I didn't expect to get a game but the manager has thrown me on and it's something every kid dreams of."
Clarkson was supposed to be best man at the wedding of his cousin Stephen O'Donnell yesterday but was forced to pull out at the last minute.
He added: "I spoke to Stephen earlier in the day and wished him all the best. I asked him how he was feeling ahead of the wedding – we're a close family and I was thinking of him.
"We're good friends and he said he was nice and relaxed and was going for a swim with a handful of my other cousins and the best-man who stood in for me.
"But I'm sure they would have been keeping an eye on the Scotland game at the reception – the game would have been a TV on somewhere.
"Everyone will be pleased for me, I'm sure, and I'll speak to them all later."
Another debutant, West Brom's James Morrison hopes he has done enough to force his way into Burley's plans for the World Cup qualifiers, which begin in September.
He said: "The manager made that clear to us before the game – this was a chance for us to stake a claim for the World Cup qualifiers.
"They won't be long in coming once the new season starts and I hope that I've done enough to show that I can be involved again at this level.
"It's a young group of players and we're building for the future. I have to say that the future looks very bright for Scotland and I desperately want to be a part of it all.
"I'll enjoy my holidays now and get ready for the new season with the Premier League to look forward to and a World Cup campaign."
Reflecting on his first defeat as Scotland manager, Burley admitted he needs his best players at his disposal. Burley had seven call-offs ahead of his debut against Croatia in March and suffered another six ahead of this game. Key players like James McFadden and Alan Hutton withdrew through injury, along with Hibernian's Steven Fletcher and Rangers trio Kris Boyd, Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson.
Others, like skipper Barry Ferguson, were absent from the squad named by Burley earlier this month as he was forced to take into account injury and fatigue from a long, hard club season.
Burley said: "For any nation, you want your best players available and hopefully come the World Cup qualifiers we will have them available. But who knows? You can get injuries so you need a squad and competition and that showed today. Young players got experience and that can only be good for the future.
"Sometimes in defeat you learn more," Burley insisted afterwards. "We needed to be tested. Our first two World Cup qualifiers are away from home and the temperature in Macedonia will be similar to today.
"In this situation you are looking to build. We knew we were taking on a game that wouldn't be easy and we were aware of the Czech Republic's record. It was a case of getting some sort of system, giving players an opportunity and they gave it all they've got. The Czechs stepped up in the second half and it was disappointing to lose the goals. But you are learning about players and it was certainly a worthwhile exercise."
Czech coach Karel Bruckner – who will retire after Euro 2008 – was also satisfied with the efforts of his players and pleased with the result ahead of this summer's tournament.
He said: "We knew it'd be difficult and it was. I'm very pleased with the result and I don't see the game just as a dress rehearsal – we wanted to win.
"We saw more combinations this time compared to the game against Lithuania and our defence was better.
"As the match progressed, the quality showed and that was thanks to the players who came on in the second half. I also want to thank the other team for their fair play."
The full article contains 889 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
