McTominay backs 'great man' Clarke for Scotland stay

Image source, SNS

• Published2 hours ago

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay says he "would love" Steve Clarke to agree a new contract to extend his stay as head coach beyond this summer's World Cup.

Clarke last week reiterated his desire to have his future decided before he takes his squad to the Americas.

Asked about reports suggesting the 62-year-old is close to agreeing a new deal until Euro 2028, McTominay told BBC Scotland: "He is first and foremost a great man and, secondly, he's a great coach.

"He's helped us so much off the pitch as much as he has on it as he gives us that freedom and allows the group camaraderie to be where it is without allowing it to go too far.

"Obviously we have good professionals in the group, which is key, and our captain, Andy Robertson, and other senior players like John McGinn play a huge role in keeping the whole team together."

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Dreaming of Iniesta moment

Image source, Getty Images

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.

"It's hugely important we approach it one game at a time and 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."

'A bit old school' for social media

McTominay was speaking as his now famous overhead kick, which helped Scotland beat Denmark to qualify in November, was immortalised on a new Bank Of Scotland £20 note.

He finds the honour "surreal" and appears unaffected by the "incredible" adoration for him in Naples.

"I am not on social media a lot and that's where it happens," McTominay said, pointing out that he leaves that to fellow Scotland and Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour. "I am 29 now - a bit old school."

Indeed, McTominay admits he has only been in the centre of Naples once - and that was for a sponsorship event - but is loving his time in Serie A.

"It was difficult because the fans are so passionate and they're all fanatical Napoli supporters," he added.

"I would love to experience that a little bit more, but when we go to the stadium and see the love and support of the fans, it's so ingrained in them from such a young age, I think it's amazing.

"They are so family orientated as well. They look after you."

Related topics

• Scotland Men's Football Team
• Napoli
• Football