By Alan Hutton

13th Sep, 2023 | 2:28pm

Newcastle star Harvey Barnes stealing a spot amid 'huge' claim - pundit

Newcastle United star Harvey Barnes would be stealing a spot in the Scotland side as he weighs up his national team future.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Gers defender Alan Hutton said Barnes has a “huge” decision to make about where his international future lies.

As relayed by The Scotsman (12 September), the 25-year-old has been considering trading in his English footballing nationality for a spot with Scotland.

The attacker qualifies to play for his UK neighbours through two Scottish grandparents.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke had been in touch with Barnes earlier in the year and discussed his potential to link up with the squad but the winger had maintained hopes of being recalled into Gareth Southgate’s fold.

The Englishman has just one cap with the Three Lions to date and will find it difficult to break in to the squad given the options Southgate has to choose from.

When asked if Barnes would be welcomed into the Scotland squad should he choose to switch allegiances, Hutton told Football Insider: “Absolutely.

“I played for Scotland for a long period of time and I saw it happen on numerous occasions and it did not bother me at all.

“I know some people might say he is taking the place of somebody else who could have been there but ultimately if you are allowed to play he is still a player that is available.

“It is a huge decision for him let’s not kid ourselves. I think he is someone that makes the squad stronger and definitely improve the quality.

“A huge decision but one that does not bother me in any way. I have seen it along my timeline and played with players that have had the same dual nationality so I do not see a problem.“

In other news, Kieran Maguire reveals what Newcastle United really think about Saudi teams in Champions League.