'It doesn't sit well with me' - Scott McTominay airs Scotland gripe and has say on Steve Clarke contract
Napoli midfielder wants to make amends for Euro 2024 disappointment
Scott McTominay has revealed that he would 'love' Steve Clarke to remain as Scotland head coach beyond the World Cup.
Clarke has been in charge of the national team for the past seven years but his contract expires at the end of this summer's tournament in North America.
McTominay has won 62 of his 69 caps under Clarke and the Napoli midfielder has welcomed reports that the 62-year-old is in talks to extend his deal until Euro 2028.
"Absolutely, I'd love that," 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."
Scotland face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in the World Cup group stages as they bid to make history by reaching the knockout stages of a major finals for the first time.
McTominay still harbours a grievance over the manner of Scotland's exit from Euro 2024 when they finished bottom of their group in Germany and he is motivated to make amends this summer.
"Looking back, it doesn't sit well with me," the 29-year-old 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."
McTominay will arrive at the World Cup on the back of another fruitful campaign in Italy, scoring 10 league goals as Napoli followed up last season's Serie A title success with a runners-up finish.
He netted a further four times in the Champions League and much will be expected of the former Manchester United man at the World Cup after his overhead kick heroics in the 4-2 win over Denmark last November helped seal qualification for the first time in 28 years.
An image of the goal is set to feature on a new £20 note unvieled by the Bank of Scotland.
"For me, it's those moments in football that you live for as a player," McTominay 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."
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.