Liverpool attacker Ben Doak hailed by Scotland manager ahead of Euro 2024

Liverpool youngster Ben Doak was the name on everyone’s lips earlier this week when he was the surprise inclusion in Scotland’s initial squad for the European Championship. 

The 18-year-old has experienced an injury-hit season for the Reds, managing only 13 minutes of Premier League action and five first-team appearances overall. 

Signed from Celtic in March 2022, Doak is an explosive attacker but a meniscus tear handed him a significant setback during the second half of the season after appearing sporadically on the first-team bench for Jurgen Klopp’s side before Christmas. 

Doak is now back in full training and has been named by Steve Clarke in the Tartan Army’s Euro 2024 squad despite having zero senior caps to his name. 

Citing his pace as a factor behind his inclusion, Clarke said Doak had a good chance of featuring at the final tournament but urged Scotland fans not to get too carried away just yet. 

“Ben is fit and back training with his club,” the manager said ahead of Scotland’s friendlies against Gibraltar and Finland next week. 

“He did a little bit with the team last week. We will speak to his club and keep in touch with them.

“The first game might come a little bit too soon. But maybe in the second game he can get some minutes on the pitch if I choose to do that.

“At this stage, Ben is the young one who catches my eye if I am being honest. He has got something, attributes that we don’t have in the squad at the moment. His searing pace would be one of them. When you watch Ben Doak play he grabs your attention. 

Doak still has a lot to learn

“But he has still got a lot to learn, as do all the young boys when you bring them in. Everyone has got to learn. Ben hopefully will be a big player for us in the future and maybe this summer he can make a little contribution as well. 

“Billy [Gilmour] was ready to play at Euro 2020 and obviously didn’t let himself down then and has never let us down. There is always a chance, always a chance to show what you can do. Any time you get picked for the national team you should try and grab that chance. 

“I think it becomes a danger if you put too much pressure on a young boy who is still learning the game and making his way in the game. 

“It is nice that he is involved in the squad, but let’s just keep a lid on things and hope that he develops and turns out to be the talent that we think and hope he can be.”