Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has refused to get drawn into too much debate about Under-19 coach Ricky Sbragia’s reasons for leaving Real Madrid youngster Jack Harper out of his squad.
Sbragia raised a few eyebrows when he suggested that the Spanish-born 19-year-old, who opted to play for Scotland, was a “luxury” player that the U19s “can’t carry” during this week’s UEFA Elite Round of games with Greece, Italy and Croatia in Austria.
Midfielder Harper has impressed among the prospects at Real Madrid during the Uefa Youth League this year, but former Sunderland coach Sbragia said in an interview earlier this week that he had omitted the likes of Harper for tactical reasons opting for a more “physical side and runners”.
When asked about the subject, Strachan simply said: “I’m not involved in that at all. I let the other guys get on with it.
“I’ve no idea if it’s physical or whatever. Has anyone seen him play?First Word Blog:Reasons for leaving out “luxury” player are breathtaking“I’ve seen a few people at Chelsea who never get a game anywhere. They go on loan somewhere and disappear into no man’s land.”
When asked about Harper’s omission from the squad this week, Sbragia told reporters: “At Real Madrid, Jack can float all over the place, which he does.
“But with us he has to be more disciplined. He’s an exceptionally gifted lad but we can’t carry him.
“He can be a luxury sometimes. In some cases, if it’s going well, he can be a good luxury.
“And listen, Jack’s time will come. I’ve gone for a physical side and runners and hopefully I’m proved right in Austria.
“It’s purely a tactical decision.”