Sports · Other Sports · 3 hrs ago
Luke Graham makes strong case for regular place in Scotland defence
Luke Graham impressed on his first start for Scotland in a win over North Macedonia.
The Stoke City defender, who moved from Dundee to the English Championship in the summer, was earning his second cap.
Injuries and suspensions have kept Scotland’s back three unsettled, and manager Sebastien Pocognoli has not used the same trio in consecutive matches.
Graham played between Ryan Porteous and Kieran Tierney and said he wanted to take his chance and earn a regular place.
Scotland’s defence stayed compact and limited North Macedonia’s attacks, with the only goal they conceded coming from a corner.
Graham’s performance gives him a chance to become a regular, but Pocognoli will decide who starts in future matches.
Luke Graham made his first start and earned his second cap for Scotland on Friday.
The Stoke City defender impressed in a back three alongside Ryan Porteous and Kieran Tierney.
Injuries to Stephen Welsh and Luis Binks opened up an opportunity for Graham.
He said he hoped to use the chance to establish himself in the team.
Scotland beat North Macedonia, and the only goal conceded came from a corner.
- Who
- Luke Graham, the Stoke City defender.
- What
- He made his first start and second appearance for Scotland, making a case for a regular place in the defence.
- When
- Friday; the exact date is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Injuries to Stephen Welsh and Luis Binks opened a place in the defence.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Graham moved from Dundee to Stoke City.
Graham made his first start and second cap for Scotland in a win over North Macedonia.
- Scotland appearances
- First start and second cap
- Club
- Stoke City
- Former club
- Dundee
- Defensive teammates
- Ryan Porteous and Kieran Tierney
- Injuries
- Stephen Welsh and Luis Binks were unavailable
- Opponent
- North Macedonia
What people are saying
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was growing up, so I have to be ready for the moment and take it when it comes.
When you’re out on that pitch, you have to do everything you can to try and stay in the team.
I gave my all and I’ll just need to wait and see what happens going forward.
I think bravery is the main thing and concentration as well.