Ricky Sbragia has admitted he got it wrong when he sparked an outcry by describing Jack Harper as a ‘luxury’ player.

Sbragia was coaching the Scotland Under 19 squad in March when he revealed that Harper, then in Real Madrid’s youth set-up, had been excluded in favour of ‘a physical side and runners’.

That provoked a backlash that stung the former Sunderland manager, as fans and pundits questioned what appeared to be an old-fashioned outlook.

Jack Harper being unveiled by Championship club Brighton after signing last month

Harper in action for Scotland's Under 17 side against Belgium in 2012

Sbragia spoke for the first time about the furore as injury prevented Harper – now at Brighton - from being considered for his first squad since taking full charge of the Under 21s.

The 59-year-old insists his previous comments created an entirely false impression of his philosophy.

‘I was at fault with the Jack Harper situation,’ said Sbragia. ‘My choice of words wasn’t exactly brilliant.

‘What I said was completely different from what I am and what I do on the training pitch and how I want them to develop.

‘I did say Jack was a good player and I still believe that. I also said the door was always open to him. I suppose I was hurt by the criticism. It’s the first time it has ever happened, saying that maybe I’m a dinosaur!

‘I’m not on social media - I can just about send a text message now - but my wife had a hell of a time and my family were sending me messages. That’s football and it’s not bad that in 44 years I’ve been criticised once. I have to take it.

Ricky Sbragia speaking to the press after announcing his latest Scotland Under 21 squad

Sbragia has admitted he got it wrong when he left Harper out of his Under 19 squad

‘We spoke about it, but my friends in general know exactly what I’m like. The one thing that sort of surprised me was how good the players were. A lot came out and spoke, even Darren Fletcher who I worked with.

‘I know Jack is injured but I’m glad he’s joined Brighton and we’ll definitely take in their games. We’ve always said that anyone who is performing at their best will come into the Under 21 squad.

‘I’ll have to chat to Jack but I speak to them all. There are about 44 players and I have to pick 22 and it’s difficult. The door is always open.’

Sbragia named five Hearts players in his selection for next month’s 2017 European Championship qualifier in Northern Ireland that begins his Under 21 tenure.

He was initially reluctant to put himself forward for the role when Billy Stark stepped down last November, but felt comfortable about taking over after discussions with SFA technical director Brian McClair.

‘When he asked me, deep down I could see it being the next progression for me,’ added Sbragia.

‘I had done nearly every job and this was an area I felt I hadn’t been involved in.

‘I have a great partner in Donald Park who has a great amount of experience, one of the best coaches I’ve actually ever seen in football. I spoke to him and he was happy which was extremely important for me.’