Former Scotland star makes 'devastated' claim over Hearts ace he reckons was national team selection material
The Hearts star has not been picked for the upcoming Scotland squad.
Former Scotland right-back Alan Hutton reckons Calvin Miller can count himself hugely unlucky to not have been picked in Sebastien Pocognoli's maiden squad.
Jambos duo Josh McPake and James Wilson have been selected for Nations League matches against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland over an extended international break. It’s the first time Scotland have been together since Steve Clarke’s departure as head coach, following an exit from the World Cup at the group stages, and Pocognoli is set to deploy a new style of play that moves away from his predecessor's pragmatic approach.
Miller has impressed at Tynecastle since joining from Falkirk in the summer but the likes of fellow winger McPake have gotten in ahead of him. Hutton, who played 50 times for the national team, feels a new style is exactly what Scotland need after a disappointing major tournament. Miller is someone he feels will be left gutted by news that his Hearts form has not been enough to warrant selection.
What Hearts player has missed out on playing for Scotland?
Speaking in association with NetBet, Hutton said: “I like it. I think it's now time to kind of see the next batch of players coming through. I think it's a good mix in terms of experience and youth, players that are playing at a high level. At the start of a new campaign, new manager, I think this is the ideal situation to bleed them in.
“So I am really happy with the squad. I thought there was maybe one or two unlucky to miss out. I thought Calvin Miller will be kind of devastated to be left out, but overall I think it looks a young, exciting squad.
“I'm actually really looking forward to seeing the group and how it develops. It looks like they want to play football, build for the back, be aggressive on the front foot, make opportunities, score goals.
“It’s everything that you want to hear from a manager and his style of play, but the proof is in the pudding, I guess. This is a little bit different in terms of the international break.
“There's more games, there's longer to work with the players ,and I think that's going to be good for the manager. Because you can work on the grass with them, they can have team meetings, they can go through everything they want to. Ultimately when you're changing a style or a squad you still have to win going along. So that's where you'll come under pressure, but excited and looking forward to seeing how it goes.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly