THE PERFECT PLACE FOR THANKS GIVING

McKenna says it is time for Scots players to show gratitude to boss by getting to the USA

- BY MICHAEL ROBERTSON

HE didn't miss them on the way out of the door following Scotland's performances in the last double header.

On the contrary, Steve Clarke let rip inside the home dressing room at Hampden in a manner seldom witnessed during his six and a bit years in charge of the national team.

But even though the manager's harsh words are still ringing in their ears on the back of those games against Greece and Belarus, there is also a recognition and acceptance that they let their boss down.

And a determination to make sure he goes out in style next summer, by leading the whole country to the World Cup Finals.

That's the message which has been coming loudly out of Scotland's squad since this latest qualification campaign kicked off in Copenhagen a couple of months ago.

These players know what Clarke has done for them over their time together. And what comes next is for him.

Scott McKenna admitted as much the other day as he looked ahead to the final hurdles of Group C, which will come against Greece in Athens tomorrow night and against the Danes at Hampden on Tuesday.

If this is to be the end for Clarke as Scotland's head coach, McKenna and his team-mates plan on making it a long goodbye. With a grand tour of Canada, Mexico and the USA as the big finale.

The Dinamo Zagreb defender said: "Yeah, ESPECT absolutely. I think the gaffer's been so loyal to all of us in his time in charge.

There's been times with myself included when some of us have not been playing at club level.

"But he continued to put us in the squad, kept his trust in us and gave us minutes on the park.

"He's also led us to two Euros, so we've all got to be thankful to him.