Exclusive:'We won't disappoint' - Bullish 20-capped Scotland international makes bold World Cup vow as squad unity praised
Steve Clarke’s side return to action at Hampden Park this weekend for the first time since their historic World Cup qualification was confirmed
There may be plenty of speculation around his future - but Steve Clarke has been backed to put his contract situation to one side and complete what no manager before him has achieved.
The former Kilmarnock boss masterminded the Scots’ return to a first World Cup Finals appearance since 1998 last year - making him an instant hero in the eyes of the Tartan Army.
But Andy Gray, who earned 20 caps for his country, reckons Clarke is capable of going one step further than the likes of Jock Stein, Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown by successfully guiding Scotland through a group stage of a major tournament for the first time.
He reckons the “close-knit” nature of Clarke’s squad could prove a key factor in helping them over the line in Group C after being drawn against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil. The top two will advance to the last 32 plus an additional eight of the best third-placed teams from the 12 groups.
Speaking to GlasgowWorld via BetSelect.co.uk, Gray said: “You've got to think that Brazil are going to come out strong, and maybe they’ll be too good. But the massive game is Morocco. This is a very good team, make no mistake about it. They’re ranked top 10 in the world for a good reason.
“They've got some top players. I’m watching (Achraf) Hakimi play wonderfully, and thinking, we've got to cope with him in the summer! That's the level of player they've got now, some amazing footballers. They're a very strong side.
“If we could get something from Morocco then I think we've got a great chance of going through. Even if it was in third place, because I think we'll beat Haiti. I'd love to say we could beat Brazil. I'm not sure we will. But the boys have done well to cope with the pressure and qualifying so anything is possible.
“It's going to be a great World Cup with Scotland back in it, because 28 years is far too long to wait. I was at the 98’ World Cup to watch the boys, and I never thought that this would be the last time until 2026 that I would see Scotland in a World Cup finals. But we will be there this summer, and I don't think we'll disappoint.
“Steve has got a good group there, they all get on well. They're a close-knit bunch of lads, and they’ll desperately want to do well for the country. A lot of those boys weren't even born when Scotland last played at a World Cup.
“I think it's going to be tough for us to get through, but it would just be glorious to reach the knockout stages. The Tartan Army will make it a proper World Cup, that's one thing you can guarantee. They’ll have a great time.
“I'm going to go into it with as much confidence as the boys have currently got, and I'm going to predict that we will get out of the group stages for the first time.”
Scotland play two friendlies matches during the international break, which will serve as vital preparation in the build up to the tournament.
The clash against Japan - who were the first nation to secure their place at this summer’s tournament - on Saturday evening will be their first back at Hampden Park since their historic qualification was confirmed.
Meanwhile, the match against Ivory Coast - who reached the quarter-finals of the recent Africa Cup of Nations - will be the first meeting between the two nations and takes place at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium the following Tuesday.
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