Steve Clarke ally on touchline in Everton vs Newcastle amid Harvey Barnes and Scotland speculation
Harvey Barnes’ potential switch to the Scotland national team is gaining momentum, after the winger refused to rule it out.
There has been calls that Barnes should be selected for England, but competition is fierce in Thomas Tuchel‘s squad and the Newcastle United winger would struggle for minutes.
The 27-year-old may well see next year’s World Cup as his last chance to feature in the tournament, with Scotland appearing to offer his only route to North America.
Barnes featured as Newcastle battered Everton 4-1 on Saturday, with Malick Thiaw, Nick Woltemade and Lewis Miley grabbing the goals.
Tim Iroegbunam was slammed after his awful display against Newcastle, with the midfielder hooked at half-time after making several mistakes.
Scotland coach watches on as Newcastle United put Everton to the sword
Newcastle have made a U-turn on Barnes’ future, with decision-makers at St James’ Park now keen to see the winger continue in Eddie Howe‘s team.
The Magpies were prepared to field bids for the 27-year-old in the summer, but Barnes’ recent form has dismissed any possibility of an exit for the forward in the near future.
| Harvey Barnes | Vs Everton (A) |
| Minutes played | 71 |
| Accurate passes | 17/22 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Duels won | 0/4 |
Barnes had scored four goals in his three previous appearances before Saturday’s game, but the former Leicester City man could not add another at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
That is not to say the winger performed poorly but he would have hoped to leave a stronger impression, especially considering the man stood on the touchline.
Alan Irvine, who is among Steve Clarke‘s assistant coaches at Scotland, is also assistant manager to David Moyes at Everton.
Harvey Barnes refuses to rule out Scotland switch
Excitement about Barnes’ potential switch to Scotland soared when the winger scored a sensational brace against Manchester City last week.
When asked about the possibility, Barnes was coy and said: “That obviously isn’t on my mind at the minute. There’s a long way to go until the summer.”
But discussions will continue to intensify, with a decision looming from Barnes. The coming months will prove key.
As Jamie Redknapp dubbed him, “Harvey McBarnes” could become a reality.