Che Adams has broken his silence on his controversial Scotland no-show and insisted he had to pull out.
The Torino striker missed the Nations League defeats to Poland and Portugal earlier this month because of a hip injury, which he suffered in a win over Venezia. There had been suggestions Adams had asked to be left out because he was still finding his feet after his move to Turin. Those claims were given further weight when Adams played 90 minutes for the Serie A side against Lecce immediately the international break.
But he has bulldozed through the conspiracy theory – saying if he had been fit, he would have been with Steve Clarke’s men. Adams, speaking in an exclusive interview with Record Sport, said: “That is something I need to clear up. After the Venezia game, I felt my hip. I had an issue with my hip flexor. It was an injury where if I had joined up with Scotland I wouldn’t have been of any use to anyone, if I am being honest.
“I spoke to Steve and he agreed it was the right decision to pull out. It was the best decision not to go to make sure I was okay for my next (domestic) games and then this next (Scotland) camp. It also wouldn’t have been fair for me to go to the squad if I wasn’t fit. We have a number of good strikers.
“Lyndon Dykes has done a great job for the national team and Lawrence Shankland had an amazing campaign last season. These guys all deserve playing time as well.”
The 28-year-old, who was a key man at Euro 2024 and has since helped Torino top Serie A, admitted he is desperate to help Scotland get back on track in this Nations League campaign and show they can mix it with the big guns in Group A. He is looking to get back involved in Scotland’s upcoming Nations League games away to Croatia and at home to Portugal next month.
“I love being around the team,” Adams insisted. “When you join the squad they are just like mates. People are so happy and friendly in and around the Scotland squad.
“I can’t wait for the next couple of Scotland games to get back there. It will be good. “I always love getting called up for Scotland and I am really looking forward to the next two Nations League games.”