CHE’S NO QUITTER: Clarke forced to deny that Adams pulled out of Scotland squad because he needed more time to settle in Italy

Steve Clarke is adamant that Che Adams has not turned his back on Scotland after withdrawing from the squad for the match against Poland.

The Torino striker was originally named for Thursday night’s Nations League season opener at Hampden but pulled out of the international break after rumours he wanted more time to acclimatise to Italy following his summer move from Southampton.

But Clarke insisted that this simply isn’t the case, claiming he had an email from the Serie A club confirming the 28-year-old is injured.

Asked to clarify the reasons for the 33-times capped player’s withdrawal, Clarke said: ‘Injury. The club informed us on Saturday morning that he had sustained an injury in the game (against Venezia).

‘The conversation we had with Che then was whether he would be judged and sent back to Italy. That was pointless. So that’s why he misses.

‘Similarly, the two lads from Celtic (Greg Taylor and James Forrest) who played at the weekend, came in on Sunday night, were assessed by our medics and sent home. That’s easy because they’re in Glasgow. So, no big drama there.’

Adams recently joined Torino after leaving Southampton

Adams has become the first choice striker for the Scots but will miss the games against Poland and Portugal

When asked if Adams had specifically asked for more time to acclimate to his new surroundings, Clarke added, “No. I can probably get you the email if you want.

‘I’m not sure now, but there was an official email from Torino saying that he had suffered injuries during the games – to his thigh and knee – and that they wanted to remove him from the squad.

“I told you I spoke to Che and the conversation was about coming in for an assessment or staying where you are. We decided it was best for him to stay where he is.”

With Adams, who started all three games at the European Championships in Germany, out of the picture, Clarke will have to decide who will lead the attacking line: Lyndon Dykes, Tommy Conway or Lawrence Shankland.

Goalkeeper Robby McCrorie has also withdrawn through injury, while Josh Doig, Jon McCracken and Connor Barron have been called up.

With 11 of the players set to travel to Germany not taking part, including Callum McGregor, who has retired from international duty, Clarke brought in Ben Doak and Ryan Gauld.

Lyndon Dykes could be called upon to lead the line in Adams’ absence

Lawrence Shankland, pictured with Max Johnston, is another candidate for the striker role

Skipper Andy Robertson keeps spirits high during a Scottish training session

Boss Clarke oversees a training session ahead of the match against Poland at Hampden

The manager hopes the new faces will give the team a much-needed boost and acknowledged the importance of starting well in the group after they picked up just one point from nine games in Germany.

“I think all games are important,” he added. “Of course we’ve talked about the summer. It was disappointing, but we have to move on.

“So, this is our first game. For the players who played at the beginning of the season, there is a bit of freshness in them.

“For me it’s been a long summer and I’m looking forward to the game and what we get from the players. I’m sure we’ll get a good response.”

Clarke paid tribute to Graeme Jones after it was announced that the SFA’s performance director will become Hearts’ new sporting director.

Jones, who has held various roles at Hampden over the past nine years, will replace Joe Savage at Tynecastle later this year.

“It will be a big miss for me,” Clarke said.

‘He’s been an integral part of the staff since I got there. Graeme was clearly in that position before I got there.

“Graeme’s input has been fantastic. As with everyone, career moves come his way. He had to make a decision whether to stay with the club or try his luck at a club job. He has chosen to do that. We wish him well.”

“He will be there for the next two camps after this one no matter what. We are grateful for everything he has done.”