‘Get out the group and take it from there’ – Scotland’s McTominay & Gilmour on World Cup hopes

Steve Clarke has now taken Scotland to three of the past four major finals, following back-to-back European Championship qualifications.

The 62-year-old, who will be out of contract after the World Cup, is the nation’s longest-serving head coach, with 76 matches under his belt since 2019.

“He has been brilliant,” enthused Gilmour. “He will go down as the greatest Scottish manager ever.

“There’s been some tough times and, as a group, we have come together with the manager and got ourselves out of those difficult moments and now we are starting to see the stadium packed and chanting and getting behind us.”

Clarke cultivates a dour image, rarely getting too high or low, and has remained loyal to a core group, building experience and forging a strong bond.

“We love him,” said McTominay. “First and foremost, he is a great man who gives the players licence to express themselves off the pitch and on the pitch as well.

“How together we are is extremely important going into a major tournament.

“We know our goals. To come out of the group has to be the only thing on our minds.”