Scotland v Austria

SCOTLAND v AUSTRIA / EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS / FIFA 2022 WORLD CUP
clowning about the more we realised
our similarities, so I enjoy spending time
with him in and around the camp.
With the current Covid regulations in
place it’s become harder to socialise but
you still have opportunities, like at dinner
when you’re in smaller groups and can
properly socially distance.
I take my PlayStation away with me and
play online against the boys at FIFA and
Call of Duty. I often get cast aside when
it comes to Call of Duty as I’m rotten at
that. I’m not bad at FIFA though. Scott
McTominay is the best at it in the squad
I think. I’ve played him a few times and
he’s hammered me. He’s a level above
when it comes to that.
QSteve Clarke has been influential
in your career so far and made a
huge impact with the national team.
What is he like as a leader?
AHe’s been top class for me, at both
club and country, and we’ve got
a great relationship. I’m very grateful
for the opportunities he’s given me
and I can only thank him for what he’s
done for me. I enjoy learning from him
every time I get the opportunity. He has
improved me immensely.
His organisation and instruction is
second to none. He simplifies what
seems a complicated game and he
ensures you go into a match knowing
your role and what you need to do.
QYou made your Scotland debut
against Belgium in 2019. How
have you developed since then?
AMy Scotland debut coincided with
me moving to Celtic, so as you
move to a higher level and play with
better players you benefit from that. I’ve
been lucky enough to do that and I’ve
enjoyed every opportunity I get to play
with Celtic as it really brings me on as a
player. I love playing there and learning
every day from top coaches like John
Kennedy. It’s been a quick couple of
years but ones I’ve really enjoyed.
QThe three upcoming games will
once again be played with no
Scotland supporters in attendance.
How desperate are you to see them
return when the time is right?
ACertainly at club level, it’s been
a huge miss as you’re used to
playing in front of 60,000 every other
week and that’s the same with Scotland.
When you’ve got a full Hampden
it helps massively on the pitch and
hopefully they’ll be gradually coming
back as we’ve missed that support. The
buzz around the team is huge right now
and I’m sure the place would have been
rocking tonight, but hopefully their return
isn’t too far away.
41
HAMPDEN PARK / THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 2021