International honours on the horizon

Scotland manager Steve Clarke is hoping to persuade Birmingham City's Che Adams and two Premier League stars to pledge their international futures to The Tartan Army.

Clarke, who was in charge for his first two games this week is looking to refresh his squad.

Scotland laboured to a home win over Cyprus before being soundly beaten by Roberto Martinez's Belgium on Tuesday night.

Clarke has four more games in the Euro 2020 qualifiers before a guaranteed play-off for next summer's tournament.

They earned their place in the play-offs after winning their Nations League group last year.

But in a bid to guide Scotland to their first major tournament in 22 years, The Daily Mail have reported that the ex-West Brom boss is set to sound out three players who qualify through their grandparents.

"Doesn't give me the chance."

Of all the qualities Wes Harding has demonstrated at Birmingham City, persistence is probably the one that has served him best.

Indeed, it is a trait that has carried him from rejection as a youngster to next cab off the rank in Garry Monk’s squad.

It is one that could well establish him as a regular in the Blues first team, after following up his breakthrough campaign with a solid 30 game season - spent playing all across the back four.

Unfortunately for Harding the man in front of him Birmingham City ’s best defender and arguably the top right back in the Championship.

“I was delighted to play as much as I did, whether it was off the bench or starting. Next year I just want to kick on and play more,” Harding said.

“Max is a good pro, with a lot of players you could sit back and moan about who’s in front of you - he doesn’t even give me the chance to do that.

“He is in front of me - and rightly so, he’s a good player. But that’s what I am working towards and I know I will be there one day.

“I think the manager has confidence in me, I think that comes off what I have shown as well."

For the full Wes Harding interview: Click here

Helder Costa odds

Wolves could offload winger Helder Costa this summer - and he won’t be short on suitors.

Wanderers , set for a European adventure in the new season, are expected to chase a number of additions of their own as Nuno Espirito Santo seeks to freshen up his squad.

That’ll likely mean a number of fringe players becoming available for a move.

Costa is one of those, but the Portuguese international won’t have to worry about interest from elsewhere.

The Portuguese star lit up the Championship in the two years before Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League, but he comparatively struggled to nail down a place in Nuno’s side in the top flight.

The £13m signing featured in 25 league games last year, but scored a single goal - that being in the memorable 3-1 win at Tottenham in December.

(Sky Bet)

Leeds 8/11

Stoke 7/1

Aston Villa 10/1

Derby 14/1

Birmingham 20/1

Former No.1 lands new job

Former Birmingham City star Maik Taylor has joined Walsall’s coaching set-up.

The 47-year-old has become the Saddlers’ goalkeeping coach and will work with new manager Darrell Clarke.

Taylor has a wealth of coaching experience having taken both his UEFA B and A licences and having worked with the Northern Ireland set-up.

He ended last season in a similar capacity with Bradford City and has beaten off stiff competition to join Walsall.

“His experience was a key factor in my decision,” Clarke said.

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