Scotland ignore Steve Bruce 'gamble' warning and name Ryan Fraser in Euro 2020 squad

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has ignored Steve Bruce’s warning over Ryan Fraser by naming the Newcastle United winger in his Euro 2020 squad.
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Fraser will head to Spain for their pre-tournament training camp and will be tested in warm-up fixtures against the Netherlands and Luxembourg before the finals gets underway on June 11.

Scotland s first game of the tournament is against the Czech Republic at Hampden Park before they face England at Wembley and then Croatia.

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Fraser has been out injured for Newcastle and not played since Scotland’s 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands in March, a game in which he scored in.

And while he has not kicked a ball for United for nearly two months, he has, however, been named in Scotland’s 26-man Euros squad.

Bruce, speaking on Tuesday, said it is a ‘gamble’ taking the former Bournemouth man, who has been in and out all season due to injury.

The 60-year-old head coach said: "As for Ryan, it has been a difficult time for him.

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“He does desperately need a pre-season. Pre-season will be huge for him.

Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser has been named in Scotland's Euro 2020 squad. (Photo by Richard Sellers - Pool/Getty Images)Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser has been named in Scotland's Euro 2020 squad. (Photo by Richard Sellers - Pool/Getty Images)
Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser has been named in Scotland's Euro 2020 squad. (Photo by Richard Sellers - Pool/Getty Images)

“Whether he is going to be picked in the Scotland squad, I think that would be a gamble as he has not played the last six or seven weeks.

“He has had no real football or trained (in that time).

“Pre-season will be key for him. He didn't have a pre-season the year before and last season's was a non-entity really.

“The same goes for Isaac (Hayden) and Jamaal Lascelles – it is key for all of them.”

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