Liverpool ace won't get 'overawed' by big stage after 'seamless transition' says ex Newcastle United coach
The Anfield starlet has reported for Scotland senior duty for the first time in his career
Scotland assistant coach John Carver admits Liverpool star Ben Doak has fitted in seamlessly to the national team squad as preparations for Euro 2024 begin to intensify.
The 18-year-old wonderkid landed his first senior call-up earlier this month after being named in head coach Steve Clarke’s preliminary 28-man squad - which will be whittled down to 26 before the tournament in Germany gets underway this summer.
And the former Celtic youth attacker - who has earned seven caps for the Under 21s - will be eager to impress the coaching staff in upcoming friendlies against Gibraltar and Finland as he looks to justify his wildcard pick.
“You know what, he's walked in and taken to it like a pinch of salt,” Carver admitted when asked how Doak had settled into the group. “I think it's because of his youthfulness. When he came through the door... it's not like the old days when a young lad would come in and he'd be really shy and bashful.
“He's just walked straight in and you'd think he had been here for years, which is good. And the lads like him. He's that type of guy, you just take to him straight away.
“I'd never had a conversation with him, but I've had many with him now already and he's a good lad. He's got no fear and that's how I think young players coming through develop.”
Carver insists Doak isn’t the type of player who shies away from high-pressurised situations and believes if he was to be thrown in at the deep end by starting against Germany in the tournament curtain raiser on June 14 then he would rise to the occasion.
He said: “When you play for a big football club like Liverpool and you’ve played in some important games and shown you’ve got that ability then he’s not going to be overwared by us guys. He's fitted into the group straight away.
“Listen, if he’s selected to start or has to come on, whatever it is., I don't think anything will phase him. I've seen him play in a few games and he's a player who doesn't look as if he gets nervous.
“That’s obviously a good thing because when you play for big clubs, with a big fanbase, it can add some extra pressure. He seems to be able to deal with it well.”