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Steve Clarke is urged to pull out all the stops to convince Newcastle's Matt Targett to switch his allegiance BACK from England to Scotland... with the Tartan Army facing a left back crisis ahead of key World Cup semi-final with Ukraine in June

Former Rangers boss Graeme Murty believes Steve Clarke will have pulled off a major coup if he coaxes defender Matt Targett to switch allegiance back to Scotland.

Aston Villa's Targett, currently on loan at Newcastle, is being monitored ahead of the crucial series of internationals in June as the Scotland manager seeks cover at full-back for the injured Kieran Tierney and Nathan Patterson.

The 26-year-old is a ready-made Premier League talent in top form as he continues to help Eddie Howe's Magpies ease away from relegation trouble.

Newcastle's Matt Targett is being closely monitored by Scotland ahead of Ukraine semi-final
Scotland boss Steve Clarke (right) has been urged to put in a call to try and convince Targett

Ex-Ibrox manager Murty is a huge admirer after coaching Targett at Southampton - and says the defender would be a superb addition to Scotland's already outstanding cast of left-backs.