SCOTLAND boss Steve Clarke revealed the decision to call Che Adams into his squad for the first time "happened very late", with the Saints striker in line to make his debut this month.

Leicester-born Adams, a former England under-20 international, turned down an approach from Scotland back in 2017 and has also been offered the chance to play for Antigua & Barbuda in the past.

However, the 24-year-old, who has netted seven Premier League goals this season, has now pledged his allegiance to Scotland, qualifying to play for them through a maternal grandparent.

And he has been named in Clarke's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and Faroe Islands.

Discussing Adams's first call-up, boss Clarke told Sky Sports: "It actually happened very late. Che is someone we tried to get before, when Alex McLeish was manager I believe, four years ago now. So he (Adams) was a young man at the time.

"He's matured a little bit more, played a few more games, got his move to the Premier League and done very well.

"Not too long ago, probably the start of last week, I got a little inkling or a little tip-off that he was interested in choosing Scotland as his international country.

"Thankfully after a couple of conversations with him he's come down on our side.

"So I look forward to working with him and hopefully he can add goals to the squad."

Adams is not the only Saints star in the Scotland squad, with Stuart Armstrong called up again this month, looking to add to his 22 senior caps.

Asked if Armstrong played a role in convincing Adams to choose Scotland, Clarke said: "Agent Armstrong!? I don't know.

"I would assume that Stuart would be telling him good things about the camp because recently the international camps have been positive and good, so I can imagine Stuart has hopefully been telling him good things and it's nice to have them both involved in the next squad."

Adams is one of four strikers in the Scotland squad, which also includes uncapped Hibernian frontman Kevin Nisbet.

"We're trying to get more goals on the pitch," explained Clarke.

"That's why I've given Kevin a chance. Hopefully Che Adams can give us something a little bit different up front.

"Lyndon Dykes has got two goals in seven games for Scotland, which is a good international return and Oli McBurnie gives me a different type of striker up front."

Scotland are also gearing up for this summer's European Championship, where they will take on Czech Republic, England and Croatia in the group stage.