Clarkson 'thrilled' with debut goal

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But the Motherwell striker was celebrating his first international goal instead on what proved to be a memorable night in Prague, where the Scots suffered their first defeat of the George Burley era when they slumped to a 3-1 defeat.

But as far as Clarkson was concerned, nothing could ruin his big night and he said: "Overall I'm just thrilled because just being involved in the squad is something I look upon as a great achievement."

He added: "I just came here looking to enjoy it and that's what's happened. It's a magnificent time for me.

"I couldn't have ever imagined this happening to me a few short months ago, as a kid you only dream of playing for your country.

"When I got the call I was made up because I didn't ever expect it - I didn't want to get my hopes up in case I didn't get a game.

"Coming here I didn't expect to get a game but the manager has thrown me on and it's something every kid dreams of."

Clarkson was supposed to be best man at the wedding of his cousin Stephen O'Donnell on Friday but was forced to pull out at the last minute.

He added: "I spoke to Stephen earlier in the day and wished him all the best. I asked him how he was feeling ahead of the wedding - we're a close family and I was thinking of him.

"We're good friends and he said he was nice and relaxed and was going for a swim with a handful of my other cousins and the best-man who stood in for me. But I'm sure they would have been keeping an eye on the Scotland game at the reception - the game would have been a TV on somewhere."