‘McBarnes has a ring to it’ – do Scotland need Newcastle winger?

Eddie Howe’s men defeated Pep Guardiola’s side in a thrilling Saturday night victory, and the 27-year-old scored twice for them at St James’ Park. He is eligible to play for Scotland through his grandparents.

Will those who are unsure of Scotland’s future have been influenced by that performance? Or perhaps it completely flipped the opinions?

He was performing post-match media duties right after Barnes’ winning goal against City.

As former England duo Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp pressed him about a potential move to Scotland, the conversation erupted into an awkward but humorous conversation.

Can you attend the Scottish World Cup? contacted Richards from the Sky Sports studio.

Barnes laughed and smiled as he made out his headphones.

Presenter David Jones responded by questioning whether the winger’s performance was a “come and get me plea” for Clarke. The winger was not successful in doing that.

You would expect a reaction from a modern football player who was well-versed in the media.

He responded, “That obviously isn’t on my mind right now.” There is still a long way to go until the summer.

Richards, a former City defender, said, “So it’s not a no, then”?

Former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp remarked, “Harvey McBarnes, that’s got a ring to it.”

Barnes responded to a reporter’s question earlier in the week in a similar way.

A clip of the former Leicester City man claiming a switch wasn’t turned off was released while the Scotland squad was still suffering from last Tuesday’s historic 4-2 win over Denmark.

The timing was intriguing, which is problematic for Scotland fans.

Many people believe that Barnes, who has worked so hard and put in so much effort, is not just entitled to attend a World Cup.

Three months before the postponed Euro 2020 finals, Che Adams, a former England youth international who is also eligible to play for Scotland through a grandparent, was in the squad, sparking a similar discussion.

All is forgotten after a goal is scored, as is custom with these things, but Barnes’ inclusion in England’s cap may make things a little more tribal.

Because of the Auld Enemy’s friendly appearance in 2020, he was substituted for Wales in the game, but he is still eligible for Scotland.

It appears Clarke has already posed the query. Some fans’ fans’ fans have yet another bee in their bonnet.

According to reports, Barnes was thinking about resembling himself to be a Scottish person two years ago. Clarke then revealed that the winger had spoken to him.

Nothing was made. The head coach said, “I won’t be getting my next phone call.”

However, it’s obvious that Barnes might be used to expand Scotland’s attacking options.

This Champions League player is playing in a domestic division that many consider to be the most difficult in the world.

Barnes now has six games in 18 games, up from his previous six with a double against City on Saturday. In four Champions League games, three of them have participated.

He has 15 goals and seven assists from the wing in total since the start of the previous season.

No other Scotland forward can provide their club with this kind of output at this level.

By the time Barnes drilled in a deadly opener that showed his direct running and ability to link up on Saturday, he should have had a goal or two to his name.

His second, which turned out to be the winner, demonstrated a poacher’s instinct, adjusting his body close enough to take a strong first step before burying on the rebound.

Even after the emergence of Ben Gannon-Doak, who has been a revelation for Clarke, Scotland have long struggled to find true pace, drive, and quality in their attacking areas.

The first half of the incredible victory over the Danes last week saw the winger take off on a stretcher to make it clear. He has since had hamstring injuries repaired and will need to wait months.

Without the 20-year-old, Clarke’s side lost ball in tight games and struggled to cope with Denmark pressure.

Barnes would be very helpful in responding to that. It’s certainly exciting to see him playing with Doak on the opposite flank of his preferred left flank.