Scotland ramp up bid to poach Premier League star for World Cup and Ally McCoist says ‘it’s a no-brainer’

Ally McCoist has strongly backed Scotland manager Steve Clarke in his bid to persuade Harvey Barnes to represent the country.

Barnes, who has one England cap to his name, is eligible to play for the Tartan Army as he has Scottish grandparents.

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He has previously spoken about switching allegiances, which he is still allowed to do as his Three Lions appearance came in a friendly and he doesn’t have more than three caps in total.

Speaking in November, he played down reports that he could walk away from his England hopes and become a Scotland international.

However, three months on, further rumours have arisen, with The Telegraph stating that manager Clarke has made a new attempt to try and persuade him to play for his team.

Clarke is said to have promised Barnes a place in Scotland’s World Cup 2026 squad, following their historic qualification campaign.

And the push to call up the Newcastle winger for his grandparents’ country is something that Scottish icon McCoist is a huge fan of.

McCoist said on talkSPORT Breakfast on Tuesday: “No-brainer.

“Think about it, where is he playing now? Newcastle. So it’s a hop, skip and a jump over the border. Travelling’s not a problem.

“He’s guaranteed to get into the squad, he’ll play. He’ll play with John McGinn, Scott McTominay…”

Co-host Gabby Agbonlahor then appeared to want to interject, until a certain McCoist cut in again to cement his point.

“There’s no ‘but’ about it, he’s getting in there!” the Scotsman said.

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Potential controversy?

Former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor went on to question whether it would be right for Barnes to take a place in Scotland’s World Cup squad after never playing for them beforehand.

“He’d be outstanding for Scotland, of course,” he admitted. “He’s scored a lot of goals this season, in the form of his career.

“But, let’s say he takes your position, and you’re a left winger for Scotland, and you’ve done all the hard yards of getting your country to a World Cup…”

McCoist responded: “It’s not Steve Clarke‘s job to be concerned about how he might upset people.

“It’s his job to get the best for the country and the team. And if it’s the best for the country and team moving forward…

“If I’m a Scotland player, I’d think the opposite, I think ‘great’, an addition to the squad that’s going to help us do well.”

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Agbonlahor then argued that some Scots may think that Barnes is using the nation as a last resort to get to a World Cup.

But McCoist stood with his strong stance, saying: “Listen Harvey, it’s 94 miles up the road, get yourself in a car and see Steve.

“Get the deal done…when’s Barnes ever going to get the chance to pull on a Scotland jersey and play against Brazil in Miami?”

‘Forget it, mate’

Barnes may still want to hold out hope for a place in England’s World Cup squad, considering his incredible form this season.

He will believe that Thomas Tuchel could include him after scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 36 games this season, including five in the Champions League for Newcastle.

But McCoist doesn’t want him to waste his time, saying: “Harvey, forget it, mate, you’re not getting into the England squad.

“The competition he’s got…he’s not getting in before Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke.”