Source: Team_Talk
Stark concerned for Saunders
Scotland U-21 manager Billy Stark admitted fears over an injury to Steven Saunders had tempered his enjoyment of a 3-0 win over Norway.[LNB] The Motherwell defender was carried off on a stretcher with an Achilles injury after collapsing in a heap less than four minutes into the St Mirren Park clash.[LNB]Motherwell manager Stuart McCall was at Paisley to watch his defender play but was soon in the treatment room trying to determine the extent of the damage.[LNB]There are fears Saunders faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines and he was taken to hospital for a full diagnosis but Stark could not give a definitive answer immediately after the game.[LNB]"There is a fear but not being a medical person I wouldn't like to confirm anything," Stark said.[LNB]"When you get a player that goes down with nobody round about them then you always get a bad feeling.[LNB]"Our physio has taken him to hospital and been in contact with the club, we will know more later.[LNB]"That was a real downer for us at the start of the game. All the positives we take from the game will be tempered by Steven's injury, no doubt about that."[LNB]The 20-year-old broke his leg while at Queen's Park as a youth and Stark is confident he will bounce back.[LNB]"Steven has been through a fair bit in his personal life and come through," Stark said. "He has had injuries as well. He is the type that will do everything required - he is a dedicated boy. It's just really unfortunate."[LNB]The afternoon improved dramatically after the injury as Scotland produced an impressive display ahead of their UEFA qualifying campaign, which begins against Bulgaria in Paisley next month.[LNB]Hull midfielder Tom Cairney finished off a superb team move in the 20th minute and Scotland went on to dominate the first half.[LNB]Scotland sat deeper after the break but remained comfortable and Aberdeen full-back Ryan Jack and Dundee United midfielder Stuart Armstrong finished brilliantly as Scotland punished Norway on the break in the final 20 minutes.[LNB]But Stark said: "The thing is not to get carried away. Scandinavians are always difficult opponents but the scoreline was maybe harsh on them.[LNB]"We scored two goals on a semi counter-attack and a counter-attack with Stuart. That can happen if you go pushing and leave yourself open. On another day Norway are capable of beating us."
