Ben Doak worry for Middlesbrough as Steve Clarke confirms physical issue with winger

Ben Doak attempts to maneuver past the Polish defense (Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz/PA)

STEVE CLARKE continued to commend Ben Doak following Scotland's thrilling Nations League victory in Poland last night. However, he acknowledged that the Middlesbrough winger was feeling exhausted after a hectic stretch with the national team.

Doak played in his second match within four days as Scotland clinched a spot in the tier one relegation play-offs by defeating Poland 2-1 in Warsaw.

The player on loan from Boro played a key role in his team's first goal just three minutes into the match. He made a swift move around Polish defender Jakub Kiwior and sent a low cross into the box, which goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski managed to deflect. The ball fell right to John McGinn, who sent it into the net.

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Doak continued to pose a danger on the right flank for most of the first half, but he started to show signs of fatigue by the time he was substituted in the 66th minute.

Clarke is very pleased with how the 19-year-old has performed in the last two matches and believes he will play a significant role in the future progress of the Scottish team.

Although he suggested he might give Doak a break before the match yesterday, the Scotland coach admitted that the young player was very tired when he came off the pitch in Warsaw.

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This will be a worry for Middlesbrough as they get back to league play against Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.

Clarke commented, “Ben provided another assist, which is great. However, I noticed he seemed to get a bit fatigued early in the second half, and I probably should have substituted him a bit sooner.”

"He's a real challenge for defenders. He plays with a lot of intensity, really taking on his opponents. As someone who used to play as a full-back, I can appreciate how tough it is to face a winger like him. His style creates problems for defenders and adds a unique element to our team."