Defeat to Republic of Ireland, and the manner, was a deep disappointment but Clarke did take the nation to a first major tournament this century just last summer.
Five years ago, the Scotland manager was just about to embark on his management career north of the border, taking over at Kilmarnock in October 2017. A lot has changed in that time not just for the manager – but for players in his squad too.
Some were in the bottom tier of Scottish football or in under-age groups. Some would go on to make big money and headline moves – and a few others have stayed where they are.
Here’s a look back on where the current Scotland squad have come from, and where they were five years ago – in 2017.
17. Jacob Brown
2017 proved to be a key year in Brown's career. After spending time in Barnsley's under-23 he made the step into firsyt-team football that would lead to international honours and a move to Chesterfield, on loan, ahead of current club Stoke City. Photo: NDET
18. John Souttar
A ruptured Achilles in 2017 was a major set-back for Souttar a year after his move to Hearts from Dundee United. Has since recovered and now at Rangers and has featured frequently in recent team selections by Steve Clarke's squad. Photo: SNS Group Ross Parker
19. Lewis Ferguson
The young midfielder made the step into Hamilton's first-team in 2017, making his first-team debut in the league after establishing his role in the Accies under-20s. Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
20. Greg Taylor
Another with a great 2017 that set the foundations of his career, 20-year-old Taylor made his Scotland under-21 debut and finished 2016-17 as an established left-back with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey