GLASGOW — GLASGOW (AP) — Staying in a Glasgow hotel with pop star Katy Perry hasn't been much of a distraction for Scotland coach Steve Clarke as he prepares his team for two crucial World Cup qualifiers this week.
“I didn’t know she was there,” said the 62-year-old coach, admitting he didn’t know the artist very well. whose “Lifetimes Tour” arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday.
“I’ve heard the name,” Clark added. “I'm sure if you played a couple of her songs I'd say, 'Oh, I recognize this one,' but I couldn't tell you any songs, sorry.”
Clark said he wouldn't have recognized Perry if he had met her at the team hotel.
“No disrespect to Katie, but I'm from a different generation,” the former Chelsea defender said, adding: “And she didn't recognize me.”
Clarke is aiming to lead Scotland to their first World Cup tournament since 1998 and for Tartan Army fans the wait has felt like a lifetime.
After two games, Scotland are tied on four points with Denmark, who are favorites to progress from the group.
He faces Greece on Thursday when Clarke sets a Scottish record. Clarke's 71st game as manager matches that of Craig Brown, who led Scotland to the World Cup in France 27 years ago.
Scotland got off to a strong start in their four-team group last month, drawing 0-0 with Denmark and winning 2-0 against Belarus, who will also host Hampden Park for the return leg on Sunday.
So while Scotland's history at the World Cup has been very hot and cold, the team may still be the dark horse roaring to group victory.
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