Derek McInnes 'disappointed but not surprised' by Hearts' Scotland snub as Steve Clarke comments addressed

While Lawrence Shankland and Craig Gordon would likely have been included if not for their recent fitness issues, eyebrows were raised that there was no representation from the side who have led the Scottish Premiership for almost six months.

Craig Halkett and Harry Milne were among those to miss out, with Steve Clarke opting for a largely familiar squad that included players not playing regularly at club level.

“Surprised, probably not,” said McInnes. “Disappointed, yeah, absolutely. I think we’ve been a really strong team this season and there’s been key players within it.

“My opinion doesn’t matter, I don’t really like people telling me what players to pick in my team and the only opinion that matters is Steve’s but it doesn’t mean to say I think he’s right with it.

“I do think I’ve got players that have earned the opportunity to be part of an international set-up but hopefully the lads’ motivation keeps going, they keep doing well and hopefully in time that they get there, that’s the hope.

“I speak to the lads regularly about it and I do believe that we have got players who could represent the country, there’s no question of that to me.

“So while there’s disappointment that they’re not in this squad, you all know how things can change and whether it’s through injury or whatever it will be, players get opportunities.

“There’s enough motivation for them to get on with here but if there’s any added motivation to try and be part of a World Cup squad then of course it can only help.

“They’ll probably be a bit disappointed but you soon have to refocus on what we’re doing here. Their performances for us over the season is what will get them in and maybe hopefully that will be the case in time.”

When Clarke was asked on Monday about the absence of any Hearts or Motherwell players in his squad, he said: “I really think both those teams have been exceptional, but maybe the team is better than the sum of the parts, which is a credit to the coaching staff and managers of both teams.”

That assertion riled supporters of both clubs.

Asked about Clarke’s comments, McInnes said: “Yeah I understood the context of that.

“Like I say, Steve’s opinion is the only one that matters when it comes to picking the Scotland squad and I understand what he’s saying with that but it doesn’t mean to say that I agree that some of my players shouldn’t be in the squad.

“Because he thinks it, it doesn’t mean I think he’s right but it’s the only opinion that matters and he’s done pretty well with his opinions with the team.”

Hearts welcome back Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland for the Premiership visit of Dundee to Tynecastle on Saturday. The key duo have been absent since January with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively but both are back in full training and set to be involved.

“It was a significant blow when both lads went out of the team,” McInnes said. “We’re obviously carrying other injuries but with these two lads coming back in, I think the players will get a boost, I think the support will get a boost.

“Lawrence, for me, has been the best striker in the league up until he went out of the team and Cammy was arguably the best midfielder in the league so it’s good to have both boys back at such a crucial time in the season.”

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