“We want to do something special.” Scotland boss Steve Clarke ahead of World Cup return | OneFootball

“We want to do something special.” The words were uttered by Scotland head coach Steve Clarke ahead of his side’s first World Cup game in almost three decades, when they will take on Haiti.

Clarke spoke with the media yesterday to preview his side’s opening game, which is almost certainly their best chance at three points in the group phase. Despite this, Clarke ensured his players would not take the occasion lightly, stating, “It’s important we respect the opposition, make sure we are properly prepared, which we are, we play to the best of our ability, and we see where we are.”

There had been a shadow of doubt cast over Scott McTominay’s availability for the match, after the midfielder reportedly travelled to Boston separately from the rest of the squad due to an upset stomach. However, his boss put those worries to bed with just four words on the 29-year-old, “Perfect. Ready to go.”

Clarke went on to try to alleviate some of the pressure surrounding McTominay’s performances by stating, “I think I have 26 superstars here. If you try to put so much on one player is not fair. Some daft coach put him as a centre-half five years ago, obviously, he’s not a centre-half. We are delighted with Scott’s abilities, but we’ll need another 15 if we want a positive tournament.” It’s safe to say, though, that this Scott McTominay is a very different player from the one included in Clarke’s Euro 2024 squad, where Scotland made a group stage exit with just a single point.

He went on to reflect on that tournament by jokingly saying, “Germany one is easy… don’t get humped.” The Tartan Army lost 5-1 to the Germans in the opening fixture of the tournament. He also spoke on the fans and how he wants to make them proud, “The younger ones in the group are always showing me clips of back home. Everyone seems so excited. Let’s hope we don’t let them down.”

The 62-year-old gave nothing away about his starting XI either, stating, “Team selection is always difficult…I still haven’t picked the team yet, to be honest. The team don’t know yet.”

Andy Robertson followed shortly after Clarke and said, “I’ve been very fortunate to play in big games, win trophies, play for the biggest club in the world, but for me, playing for your country is that one step above. To do it at a World Cup is a dream come true. I’m so proud and happy that this group are the one who has done it.” Further emphasising just how big a moment this is for Scotland.