Steve Clarke expects Ryan Fraser will have his work cut out to break back into the Scotland squad in 2022 given he rarely plays for Newcastle United, via quotes by the Daily Record.
Fraser has only featured twice for the Tartan Army since Euro 2020 after withdrawing from their November internationals. The winger cited an injury as the reason behind his decision to reject Clarke’s call-up last month, via Chronicle Live.
But Fraser was able to take a minor role in Newcastle’s sessions as Eddie Howe settled into his new surroundings. He also did not miss any of the Toon’s matchday squads around the November break. However, he did only feature for the final 19-minutes against Brentford.
The Bees clash represented a fresh start for Fraser at Newcastle after Howe replaced Steve Bruce. He had only started two Premier League games this term before Bruce left the club.
Yet Fraser has remained a bit-part player at Newcastle under the Scotland forward’s former Bournemouth boss, Howe. He has started four and featured in six of seven fixtures so far.
Clarke issues bleak Scotland verdict on Newcastle winger
Clarke has now hinted Fraser has fallen down his pecking order after the Newcastle winger turned down his Scotland call-up. He also faces a fight to regain a place during a World Cup year in 2022, given his unsettled role in the side at St James’ Park under Bruce and Howe.
“I haven’t spoken to Ryan,” he said. “Obviously, he wasn’t involved through his own choice in the November games. I don’t think we missed him; the team was good in both games.
“So, Ryan could have his work cut out to be back in the squad. That’s just the nature of the competition for places. It’s not a squad that you want to give up your place in lightly.
“He doesn’t play regularly at Newcastle. I wouldn’t like to think the whole year ends up speaking about someone who’s chosen not to be in the squad, rather than the boys who have. Lyndon Dykes came to play when his ankle was hanging off.
“He joined us in Glasgow and took part in a training session and five-minutes into the session you could see the boy was injured. But he didn’t want to admit it because he wanted to be part of the team. That’s the type of player I want in the squad.”
Howe to give Fraser his chance to regain Tartan Army position?
Fraser will hope starting Newcastle’s last two games with Liverpool and Manchester City is a sign of having Howe’s support and a chance to show Scotland boss Clarke what he can do.
He also opened the action at both Anfield and St James’ with the same left-wing role. The 27-year-old had only started successive Premier League games once this season before the Reds encounter.
But his opening roles against Crystal Palace and Chelsea in October under Bruce came in a central midfield position. He has also earned minutes across the right-flank this season.
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