Scotland: Scott McTominay ‘would love’ Steve Clarke to extend stay

McTominay stressed that he and his team-mates are determined to make amends for Euro 2024, when they finished bottom of their group in Germany, as they to progress to the knock-out stage for the first time.

“Looking back, it doesn’t sit well with me,” the 29-year-old Napoli midfielder said. “I still have that bit between my teeth where you want to try to change it this time round and I’m sure everyone in that group has the same feeling as well.

“Obviously, for us, it’s hugely important we approach it one game at a time and that’s the key in football – to not look too far ahead.”

It is the first time Scotland have reached the finals since 1998 and, for McTominay, it is about realising a dream he has had since the “wow” moment of watching Andres Iniesta score Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 final.

“For me, it’s those moments in football that you live for as a player,” he said.

“Just scoring a goal or being part of a World Cup campaign and, if you manage to help your country get there, these memories are some of the best moments of your life and you have to cherish them.

“You have to remember that that young boy watching would have snapped your hand off to even have the opportunity to do this.”

McTominay has become a cult hero in Napoli since his transfer from Manchester United, helping them win the Italian title last season.

However, he said: “The pinnacle of football is playing at a World Cup and the Champions League.

“That’s where every young boy dreams of playing football and that’s where I want to play football.

“For me, it is about not getting too carried away and doing all the things that allowed you to compete at this level, which is relentless work in the gym and training to the best of your abilities in every training session.”