Ally McCoist gives Newcastle star Harvey Barnes three reasons to switch allegiance for Euro 2024
Harvey Barnes could guarantee a starting spot at Euro 2024 if he chooses to represent Scotland internationally, according to Ally McCoist.
The talkSPORT presenter and former Scotland international has urged Barnes to switch allegiance ahead of this summer's European Championship.
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The Newcastle winger has already represented England at senior level, making his debut in a 3-0 friendly win over Wales in 2020, but qualifies to play for Scotland through his maternal grandparents.
Barnes would be allowed to change nationalities according to FIFA's eligibility rules, which state that there must be a three-year gap in between a player’s last match for the country they wish to switch from.
And for McCoist, there are three compelling reasons for Barnes to choose to ditch Three Lions for the Tartan Army.
Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, he began: "First reason is, he'll start.
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“Right, I can categorically tell you Harvey without phoning Stevie Clark, you're starting. Okay, so there's your first attractive thing to come."
This factor would certainly be tempting for Barnes, who scored the winning goal in Newcastle's recent 4-3 victory over West Ham, with there being stiff competition for starting places out wide at England.
McCoist then promised the Lancashire-born attacker instant-hero status among Scotland supporters should he make the switch: “Scottish fans will absolutely adore you.
"They'll love you, they’ll take you to the hearts. There's the second thing."
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The former 19-goal Scotland striker rounded off his argument by reminding Barnes of the home comforts that would come with donning the Scottish blue.
He added: “And the third thing is Irn Bru and haggis - you don't get that playing for England mate! Plus the square sausage.”
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The 26-year-old would be following in the footsteps of many other English-born players to line up for their old rivals if he did opt to change, including current talisman Scott McTominay, who hails from Lancaster.
And McCoist urged Barnes to consider his argument, whilst also aiming a dig at Newcastle teammate Anthony Gordon, who turned his nose up at the chance to represent Scotland in favour of England.
The 61-year-old addressed the winger: “So it's something you should give serious thought to.
"And when you do, think about it when you have a great Euros you can come back and rub salt in Anthony Gordon's wounds who decided against it."
He also assured co-host Jeff Stelling that he would have no qualms with having an Englishman represent his nation.
Stelling probed: “You wouldn't be embarrassed by playing a boy who was born in Burnley, and brought up in Leicestershire in the Scotland side?”
McCoist fired back at his colleague: "No, not all. Coming from a man whose cricketing nation have played about three English players in the last thirty [years]!"