Steve Clarke: Scotland boss hopes retaining top-tier Nations League status 'sets down marker' ahead of World Cup qualifying
Scotland hold 1-0 first-leg lead over Greece in Nations League play-off; Steve Clarke's side face Greece on Sunday at Hampden Park aiming to keep their place in Nations League A; Clarke believes retaining top-tier status will 'lay down a marker' for 2026 World Cup qualification
Sunday 23 March 2025 07:48, UK
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke hopes that retaining top-tier status in the Nations League will “set down a marker” for 2026 World Cup qualifying.
The Scots lead Greece 1-0 heading into Sunday's play-off second leg, with the winner securing a spot in Nations League A for the 2026/27 campaign.
Scott McTominay's spot-kick in the first leg helped Scotland become just the third side to win in Greece in four years after England and the Netherlands.
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"Instead of having four friendlies leading in a World Cup qualifier, we actually have two games in March, and they mean a lot," said Clarke.
"I think as individual players we've improved at this level. We understand what it takes to win a game at this level.
"Obviously, we've got the one-goal lead from the first leg, but we're going to set up and try and win the game. Hopefully set a marker down for the World Cup (qualifying) games coming up."
"I can imagine they'll try to replicate what they did in the second half out there and put us under a bit of pressure.
"They're a team that play very aggressive football, they want to get forward, they want to score goals. They're not interested in sitting in and defending."
McTominay, McGinn and McLean set for landmark caps
Match-winner McTominay will earn his 60th Scotland cap if selected, with team-mates John McGinn and Kenny McLean also set to celebrate milestones of 75 and 50 caps respectively.
The Scotland boss recognises the importance of having such experience in his squad as his side look to keep their place amongst Europe's elite in Nations League A.
"That was one of the things that I set out quite early in my reign as head coach, to get a core group of players who would be capped," added Clarke.
"As I mentioned before the game the other night, Greece away is a difficult place to go, not many teams go there and win.
"I pointed out the reason that we give them cap after cap after cap is so that when we come to those difficult games, they understand what they have to do, and those three are just three of many on a number of caps now.
"But for me, in my head, I want to win this tie. Hopefully, it's going to be difficult for Greece tomorrow and it's going to be difficult when they come back for the World Cup qualifiers."
McTominay wins SFWA Men's International Player of the Year
On Saturday evening, McTominay won the Scottish Football Writers' Association Men's International Player of the Year award for the second year running.
The Napoli midfielder has been a key player in Scotland's bid to retain their League A status. The former Manchester United player scored his 12th international goal in the first leg on Thursday, inspiring Scotland to an important 1-0 away win.
"It's a team game but trophies like this make you feel very proud and privileged," said the 28-year-old. "My grandparents will be so proud of me winning this and to see them so grateful and happy is a great feeling.
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for all the guys, they have done such an amazing job with Steve Clarke. I'm very grateful.
"We will see you at the World Cup next year!"
McTominay made the move from Man Utd to Napoli last summer, where he partners international team-mate Billy Gilmour in midfield. The Napoli duo are two of five Scottish players now playing in Italy's top flight.
"Change is sometimes a good thing, but it can be uncomfortable when you change clubs," added McTominay. "If you go into it with a clear mind and give it everything you've got, you'll have no regrets. You just have to go and give your absolute best at all times and push as much as you can to continue improving.
"Billy and I have a really good relationship now. We spend a lot of time with each other, and we go out for dinner quite a lot. He's almost like a little brother now, so we help each other on and off the pitch.
"I feel like he's that kind of a player where in a team that he plays in, he's got the capabilities to be one of the best players, I firmly believe that."
