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 hasn’t turned his back on Scotland after pulling out of the squad to face Poland.

Originally named in the party for the Nations League opener at Hampden on Thursday evening, the Torino striker withdrew from international duty amid reports that he wanted more time to settle in Italy following his switch from Southampton in the summer.

But Clarke insisted that is simply not the case – and claimed he has 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’d picked up a knock in the game (against Venezia).

‘The conversation we then (have) with Che is does he come across to be assessed and sent back to Italy. There was no point. So that’s why he misses out.

‘By the same token, the two boys from Celtic (Greg Taylor and James Forrest) who played at the weekend came in on Sunday night, got assessed by our medics and were sent home. It’s easy, because they’re in Glasgow. So, no big drama on that one.’

Adams recently joined Torino following his departure from Southampton

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

Pressed on suggestions that Adams had specifically asked for more time to get used to his new environment, Clarke added: ‘No. I can probably get you the email if you want.

‘I’ve not got it on me just now, but there was an official email from Torino saying he had injuries that he picked up in the games – thigh and knee – and they asked for him to be withdrawn from the squad.

‘I told you I spoke to Che and the conversation was about coming across to be assessed or staying where you are. We decided he’d best stay where he is.’

With Adams – who started all three games at the Euros in Germany- now out of the picture, Clarke will have to decide which one of Lyndon Dykes, Tommy Conway or Lawrence Shankland leads the line.

Goalkeeper Robby McCrorie has also withdrawn through injury, with Josh Doig, Jon McCracken and Connor Barron drafted in.

With 11 of the players who went to Germany not involved – including Callum McGregor, who has retired from international football – Clarke brought in Ben Doak and Ryan Gauld.

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

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

Skipper Andy Robertson keeps spirits high at a Scotland training session

Boss Clarke oversees a training session before the Poland game at Hampden

Hopeful that the fresh faces will give the team much-needed impetus, the manager acknowledged the importance of getting off to a bright start in the group after taking only one point from nine in Germany.

‘I think all the games are important,’ he added. ‘Obviously, we have touched on the summer. It was disappointing but we have to move on.

‘So, this is our first game. For the players that have been playing at the start of the season, they have a little freshness about them.

‘For me, it’s been a long summer and I look forward to the game and see what we get from the players. I’m sure we will get a good reaction.’

Clarke paid tribute to the job done by Graeme Jones following confirmation that the SFA’s performance director is to become Hearts’ new sporting director.

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

‘It is going to be a big miss for me,’ said Clarke.

‘He has been an integral part of the staff since I got there. Graeme obviously got into that position before I came in.

‘Graeme’s input has been fantastic. Like everyone else, career moves come along. He had to make a decision, whether to stay with the association or try his hand at a club job. He has chosen to do that. We wish him well.

‘He will be here for the next two camps after this one anyway. We are grateful for everything he has done.’