As fairytale comebacks go, Robert Snodgrass has enjoyed one of the most memorable ones in Scottish football’s recent history.
The midfielder missed all of last season following a dislocated kneecap which kept him out of the game for 16 months.
No club games, not international matches, nothing.
The physical pain of his injury paled in comparison to the anguish he felt at sitting helplessly watching Scotland fail to qualify for yet another tournament finals.
That is why his return to the international fold meant so much in Malta on Sunday. To cap it with a hat-trick in a 5-1 win to take Scotland top of Group F in their opening game of the World Cup qualifying campaign was the icing on the cake.
The Hull midfielder said: “People down south know how hard I have worked but I think some people in Scotland might not be aware of the work I have put in.
“I missed the entire campaign last time and it was hard watching. I did some media work too but there’s nothing like pulling on that jersey and scoring for your country.
“I’ve had to work hard week in, week out and I really feel I have turned the corner this season in terms of my injury. To do this for your country is amazing.
“I asked the referee for the match ball at the end but he said I had to wait and he would come into the dressing-room. He was true to his word, so I got all the boys to sign it which means they’re part of it all now, too.”
Snodgrass’ joy at scoring a hat-trick was clear for all to see but he is a man determined to make up for lost time following his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He wants to see Scotland playing in a major finals again and is ready to do all he can to get the national team to Russia in 2018.
He said: “It’s a great feeling on a personal level but from a team point of view it’s magnificent because it sets us up for the rest of the campaign.
“There is a lot to build on and a lot of positives to take from the night. We are top of the group and it’s been a great night for us all. We must continue to be ruthless in front of goal, that’s what the supporters want to see.
“I thought our supporters were magnificent in Malta and I was so happy to score three goals for them.
“I got a slight niggle against Manchester United and I know some guys might have stayed behind to get ready for their next club game. But I’m not like that. I love playing for Scotland and coming away with these boys and the staff here, too. It’s a great bunch and I really believe we are starting to build something.
“To score five goals away from home shows you how desperate we are to make it to the finals. We missed out the last time and we don’t want to be at home again.”
One win does not make qualification, however, and Snodgrass knows there will be much tougher games ahead than the one Malta gave Gordon Strachan’s side on Sunday.
The 28-year-old, however, believes the Maltese will not be the pushovers they appeared to be.
He said: “When we got the first goal I thought we would go on and score a few more but they scored a good goal themselves.
“It was difficult at times but we knew the longer the game went on we would get chances. It’s difficult at this level but we’ve scored five away from home and the lads will be raring to go for the next game.
“Malta are no mugs and people will find it hard coming here. From our point of view, it’s about building momentum. We scored five goals which is quite incredible away from home. It’s all about building up a head of steam and confidence going into the next games.
“It’s a tough squad to get into. The manager made big decisions giving Chris Martin his start and Oliver Burke showed what he can do as well.
“It’s early doors, we’re in a good position but we’ve got to keep going.
“I want to do as well as I can for my club and my country. Five goals will do wonders for our confidence.
“I know that historically we haven’t always made the best of starts to these qualifying campaigns. You can be chasing your tail a bit at times, so it’s important we got off to a winning start.”
