Naismith aims for ‘third time lucky’ with Scotland

As a player, Naismith is listed in Scotland’s roll of honour after his 51 caps and captained the national side during that Euro 2020 qualifying campaign against Cyprus and Kazakhstan.

Having made his debut at 21, he has known every stage of international football, except a major competition.

“There’s probably a third of them at the very start of their international journey, but that core group that’s going to lead them, the only thing they’ve not done is got the World Cup,” he said of the current squad.

“We’ve consistently made Euros now. The players are playing at some of the best clubs in the world. They’re competing for tournaments at club level. The next thing, and one of the biggest things for them, will be to make a World Cup.”

He points to the wisdom of Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Scott McTominay, the latter now Ballon d’Or nominated, to add to the accolades.

“I don’t think there’s a better group of pros to guide the younger players,” Naismith added. “The last 18 months has been transitional. There are a lot more players now emerging.

“You look at the squad, and there are maybe five to 10 players who are coming in, who are learning, who probably are slightly unsure of how to act, how to be around the others.”

“Right from the top, these are all guys that will guide them. I’m sure that what the manager’s created is just a brilliant environment. Everybody will be learning from it.”