The timing is perfect: Pat Nevin has just received a text from Steve Clarke and he doesn’t mind sharing its contents. There’s nothing that would give the game away or threaten to leave the Scotland manager's face splattered with egg in two weeks’ time.
It's understated but quietly confident. Typical Clarke. Nevin was in full flow talking to Record Sport about the wonderful job his old Chelsea team mate and friend has done in transforming the national team.
And why he thinks his next trick will be to make history by getting through the groups.Then the former Scotland winger reaches for his phone.
He said: “I sent Steve a message saying we were proud of him getting us to Germany. He just got back to me. Typical dour Clarkey, he just said tough games ahead but I think we can get the results required. “Nothing exciting.
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