Scott McTominay insists qualifying for a major tournament with Scotland would top the list of his accomplishments from his fledlging Manchester United career.
McTominay, pictured, played a starring role in Manchester United’s memorable Champions League comeback against PSG and more than held his own in the Nou Camp against Barcelona. But he says qualifying for a major tournament with Scotland would top the lot.
Scotland’s wait for an appearance at a top-level international tournament now extends into a third decade.
France in 1998 is a distant memory to most of this squad but with a play-off place already secured for Euro 2020, the current crop can set about making their own bit of history.
McTominay said: “This is a journey we are all going on together and we need to get to a major tournament. All the boys are completely driven to go for that goal.
“The way it panned out (under McLeish) was tough. Now it’s about getting a reaction and not dwelling on those two games. Although we did beat San Marino we should have done better. We have to leave that in the past now and instead totally focus on the games ahead.”
McTominay’s spirited display for the Red Devils was the focal point of a stunning comeback victory against PSG in the Champions League and he hopes the same drive can be reproduced for his country as Scotland bid to get their Europa League qualifying campaign back on track against Cyprus at Hampden on Saturday.
McTominay said: “PSG was a night when the coaches just said ‘look, we are 2-0 down against one of the best teams in the world, just go out and enjoy it’.
“Former players will be absolutely desperate for everyone here to come together and achieve something as big as getting to a major tournament.
“If we were to get there we do not want to go there and roll over. We want to put a statement out about how good we are. But first and foremost it is about getting there and it is the hard work in getting there that makes it so sweet. But that’s football and only time will tell.
“It is a chance for us to push on and show people that we are more than capable of going to a major tournament. That is the message that has been talked about within the group and the manager has that same belief as well.”
McTominay believes there is a renewed impetus about Scotland with the appointment of Steve Clarke.
Clarke, who returned Kilmarnock to European football prior to taking the national team job, has also worked with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, a manager who McTominay has a great deal of time for.
He said: “He is a top, top man and the way he looked after me was incredible. It is no coincidence that he likes players who want to do everything for the manager and that’s the type of boy I am.
“I am not interested in anything else other than doing my best on the pitch.”
McTominay was one of the first call-ups to Alex McLeish’s squad last year for the friendly against Costa Rica. The Lancaster-born midfielder qualifies to play for the Scots through his father and choosing which country to represent is something he has never given a second thought to.
McTominay said: “It was my decision to play for Scotland and my family couldn’t be more proud that they can see me hopefully playing many more games and getting lots of goals as well. You have to take the belief from all the fans that you should be here.
“When people ask I say ‘what sort of question is that? Ask me about something else, ask me about my holidays.’
“That question is irrelevant now, it’s two years ago and I’ve forgotten about it.”