Valencia assistant manager Ian Cathro regards under-fire Scotland coach Ricky Sbragia as a man he can turn to for sound advice.
And on a return to his home city of Dundee, Cathro was reluctant to become embroiled in the furore surrounding Sbragia’s non-selection of Real Madrid’s Jack Harper for the latest under-19 squad, and the comments he made to justify it.
But the former Dundee United youth academy manager, making a name in Spain as a progressive modern-day coach, distanced himself from the sentiment that physical attributes in a young player should outweigh skill.
“I know Ricky and I worked with Ricky,” Cathro, who was a big early influence on Ryan Gauld, told Courier Sport.
“He’s somebody who I’d go to for advice at points. He’s a thoughtful guy who has great experience in the game.First Word Blog:Reasons for leaving out “luxury” player are breathtaking“A few people sent me the line that everybody has reported, but I don’t know the context.
“If I’m referring to is that the message about our game? Then, generally talking, it’s not a point of view I’d want to be a subscriber of.”
Harper, who was born and raised in Spain to Scottish parents, is in the middle of a five-year contract with the world’s biggest club.
Cathro knows of him. But despite the fact that both are Scots working in Spanish football, doesn’t have inside knowledge on a young player who has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United.
“I’ve never seen the kid play,” he admitted.
“He’s only talked about in an environment where it’s other British people speaking to me.”
Sbragia referred to Harper as a “luxury” player when he explained the decision to leave him out of the under-19s’ forthcoming Uefa Elite Round matches in Austria
“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. Hopefully I’m proved right in Austria. It’s purely a tactical decision.”For a full interview with Cathro, see Thursday’s Courier or try our digital edition.