Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has voiced his strong support for head coach Steve Clarke to remain in charge beyond this summer's World Cup, praising him as both a 'great man' and a highly effective coach.
Clarke last week reiterated his wish to have his future resolved before leading the squad to the Americas. Reports suggest the 62-year-old is close to agreeing a new contract that would keep him at the helm until Euro 2028.
'He is first and foremost a great man and, secondly, he's a great coach,' McTominay told BBC Scotland. 'He's helped us so much off the pitch as much as he has on it. He gives us that freedom and allows the group camaraderie to be where it is without allowing it to go too far.'
The Napoli midfielder, who has earned 62 of his 69 caps under Clarke, emphasized the importance of senior players like captain Andy Robertson and John McGinn in maintaining team unity.
McTominay also expressed determination to correct the disappointment of Euro 2024, where Scotland finished bottom of their group. 'Looking back, it doesn't sit well with me,' he said. 'I still have that bit between my teeth where you want to try to change it this time round.'
This will be Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998, and McTominay dreams of creating a moment similar to Andrés Iniesta's 2010 final winner. 'For me, it's those moments in football that you live for as a player,' he added.
'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.'