Scotland are heading to this summer’s World Cup and Steve Clarke has been urged to speak to Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes
Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes celebrates his late winner against Leeds(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Scotland manager Steve Clarke should have no hesitation in calling Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes into his World Cup squad, should the winger be keen on an international switch, according to Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist.
Barnes is the talk of Tyneside after his two goals helped Eddie Howe’s Magpies to a 4-3 win over Leeds United on Wendesday night, with his winner coming in the 12th minute of stoppage time.
That brace takes him to nine goals for Newcastle in all competitions for the season so far, and calls for a Scotland cap continue to grow.
He has represtented England once, but only in a friendly match, which means he is able to switch international allegiance.
Although born in Burnley, the 28-year-old qualifies through a Scottlish grandparent, although some have questioned whether it would be wise to bring new players into the squad to potentially disrupt the group following Scotland’s successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
When asked on TalkSPORT Bet’s Wee Football Show whether he would take Barnes to the World Cup, McCoist said: “All day! We have to take all our best players. Would Harvey Barnes get in our Scotland squad? Yes.”
It’s not the first time McCoist has urged Barnes to opt for Scottish footballing nationality, with the pundit a big fans of the Newcastle star.
Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast in 2024, the former Scotland striker said: “First reason is, he’ll start. Right, I can categorically tell you Harvey without phoning Stevie Clark, you’re starting. OK, so there’s your first attractive thing to come.”
“Scottish fans will absolutely adore you. They’ll love you, they’ll take you to the hearts. There’s the second thing.”
“And the third thing is Irn Bru and haggis – you don’t get that playing for England mate! Plus the square sausage.”
“So it’s something you should give serious thought to.
“And when you do, think about it when you have a great Euros you can come back and rub salt in Anthony Gordon’s wounds who decided against it.”
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