“It is gold dust. Nothing comes close.”
One of many final Scotland gamers to attain at a World Cup is telling the present squad what to anticipate, in the event that they make it to North America subsequent summer time.
A minimum of a attract Greece on Saturday, then a win over Denmark at Hampden Park three days later would see them qualify mechanically, with a play-off already assured as a back-up.
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Lyndon Dykes says serving to Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998 would ease the damage of being pressured to overlook final yr’s European Championships
John Collins equalised in opposition to Brazil in Scotland’s opening sport at France 1998 earlier than Tom Boyd’s own-goal noticed them lose 2-1.
However regardless of taking only one level from their group, he instructed Sky Sports activities Information the reminiscence of taking part in in soccer’s largest event won’t ever fade.
“Nothing equals it. Nothing at club level equals representing your country,” the previous Celtic, Monaco and Everton midfielder stated.
John Collins scored in Scotland’s World Cup ’98 opener in opposition to Brazil
“Strolling out of that tunnel at a serious event, standing within the line, the nationwide anthem’s being sung, Tartan Military’s singing it within the background.
“You’re there. The world audience is watching you. Game on.
“It’s gold mud. Nothing comes shut.”
‘Luck and willpower’
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Scotland head coach Steve Clarke admits their efficiency of their unconvincing World Cup qualifying win vs Belarus was a ‘head scratcher’
Scotland are unbeaten on this qualifying marketing campaign – they’ve overwhelmed Belarus twice, gained in opposition to Greece at Hampden and held Denmark to a goalless draw away from house on this qualifying marketing campaign.
Steve Clarke, who’s now the longest-serving Scotland supervisor, has led the nationwide crew to back-to-back European Championships along with his present deal ending after this marketing campaign.
“Stevie’s done well getting us to the last few tournaments, Euros. The immediate challenge is the World Cup. We’re in a healthy position,” Collins added.
“We’ve had a little bit of luck in the last few matches, a lot of luck. But we’ve got the six points. We haven’t played well, but we’ve got six points, which puts us in the next two games.
“We have a whole lot of good gamers taking part in in huge golf equipment. We’re possibly brief in a few positions, however we have got a unbelievable unit.
Scotland beat Greece 3-1 at Hampden Park in October
“The biggest strength of this team is they work their socks off from start to finish.
“A number of the qualifying video games, they have not performed nice, however what they’ve at all times completed, they’ve chased each ball down.
“And that’s got them the results. It hasn’t been the free-flowing, great football. It’s been the determination, the togetherness and the work ethic.
“Hopefully it’s going to carry this group over the road.”
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Rangers).
Defenders: Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Connor Barron (Rangers), Andy Irving (West Ham).
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts).
Scotland’s closing World Cup qualifiers
- Greece (A) – November 15
- Denmark (H) – November 18
