sport news Bring it on! Steve Clarke has no fears Scotland job could be a 'career-killer'

Steve Clarke has vowed to defy the people who warned him that managing Scotland could kill his career.

Named successor to Alex McLeish on a three-year contract, the former Kilmarnock boss insists he is excited by the players at his disposal.

And the 55-year-old believes the Scots can still secure automatic qualification for the Euro 2020 finals without the need for a Nations League play-off.

Steve Clarke was unveiled as the new manager of the Scottish national team on Tuesday

Steve Clarke was unveiled as the new manager of the Scottish national team on Tuesday

Clarke wants Kilmarnock assistant manager Alex Dyer to fill the same role on a part-time basis with Scotland - and also plans to appoint a younger Scottish coach to help out. 

Insisting he's not scared by the challenge ahead, the new man said: 'I have had many, many messages from lots of good people and hopefully I don't let them down.

'It is a big thing to do, it is a big step in my career, that's why I couldn't turn the job down.

'I spoke to quite a lot of people in football who were telling me: 'Don't go, it can be a career-killer'.

'Listen, I am happy to take it on. I am happy to have a go.' A succession of Scotland managers have been eaten up by the national team's failure to reach a major finals since 1998.

However, riding the crest of a wave after leading Kilmarnock to a third-place finish in the top flight for the first time since 1966 - and winning PFA Scotland and Football Writers' manager of the year awards - Clarke insists he's up for the challenge.

'It might frazzle me, I don't know. Nobody knows what the future holds.

'But I'm certainly not scared of the intensity and the scrutiny.

'I'm not scared that people might say it's a career-ender.

'I went to Kilmarnock and they were bottom of the league.

Clarke was appointed on Monday after guiding Kilmarnock to an historic third-place finish

Clarke was appointed on Monday after guiding Kilmarnock to an historic third-place finish

'If they'd stayed bottom, that would have been a career-ender, too.

'I was happy to take on that challenge and I am happy to take on this one, too.

'Not only am I happy, I am honoured.

'And, if it frazzles me, I will go down fighting - I promise you.

NEXT Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano in action: Fight card, odds, date, opponents, start time, complete guide