In the autumn of 2023, Scotland successfully qualified for the 2024 European Championships and John Carver (who was part of Steve Clarke’s coaching team) subsequently went public and admitted (see below) that Scotland were targeting a trio of Newcastle United stars. Carver names the three Newcastle United players they would like to see come to Scotland.
Elliot Anderson – Born in England, has Scottish grandparent(s).
Harvey Barnes – Born in England, has Scottish grandparent(s).
Tino Livramento – Born in England, mother is Scottish, father’s side from Portugal.
Fast forward about two and a half years and it’s now a full trio saying no.
On Thursday we see BBC Sport Scotland reveal: ‘Harvey Barnes will NOT play for Scotland in the World Cup this summer. Scotland manager Steve Clarke says the Newcastle winger has said he wants to focus on being part of the England squad.’
Tino Livramento and Elliott Anderson have of course already committed to England and played competitive matches.
As well as playing in the younger age groups, Harvey Barnes has one full senior cap for England, but that was in a friendly against Wales, not a competitive match, so he is/was still eligible for Scotland, but has now seemingly made his final choice. England or nothing.
John Carver on these three Newcastle United players and the possibility of them choosing Scotland – October 11, 2023:
“We have to respect him (Elliot Anderson) and give him time to make his decision. He is a young boy, he is developing as a player and developing in the right direction. He needs to get some time with his family.”
“We have not put any pressure on him in any way. I think this is the best way to deal with it and we will see how it develops in the future. We can talk about Elliot, but it is about the people who are here and that is where we put our energy.”
“Normally I keep my distance anyway, but Newcastle is my football club and I was at the Champions League game the other day. When he came on he was quite effective in the game but it’s not for me to get involved. I haven’t spoken to anyone at the football club, I haven’t spoken to him or his family, it’s about giving him time.”
“The door is open. We never put any pressure on him before we called him into the squad, they came to us. So we will have to wait and see. We respect the fact that he is so young. It is a big decision and we cannot get involved in that. We will let them make the decision.”
Carver added: “We’re always looking to improve. We’re always looking, don’t worry about it. Every time I go to a game I talk to people in the director’s box, sometimes even fans, to try to find out if anyone is there.”
“You have to look. Sometimes people come forward with information, but that information is not true. But you can never stop looking because you always hope to find a hidden gem.”
“Newcastle have a few. As well as Elliot there’s Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento. They’re there and if they’re good enough I’m sure Steve will try to get them into the squad. But it definitely has to be a two-way street.”
“This squad has improved over time, they keep improving and we never rest on our laurels. We are always looking to do better, raise the standard. So if they want to get into the group they have to be special.”
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