Scott McTominay has opened up on his pep talk from Steve Clarke and his Hampden goosebumps after his heroics against Spain.
The Manchester United midfielder was the star of the international double-header as he firstly climbed off the bench to net a double in a 3-0 win over Cyprus before he was given a starting slot against Luis de la Fuente's side and he backed up the faith of his manager with another two goals in a stunning win over the international powerhouse.
The smile returned to the face of the midfielder after a chat with the Scotland boss on his arrival to the international camp. His wise words instantly hit the midfielder and he took them on board with his gaffer 'hitting the nail on the head.' Hampden was rocking on Tuesday night with the Tartan Army in full voice before wild celebrations at full-time. It is something that will live with McTominay forever and it was made extra special with his family in the stands watching on as he and his team-mates took the applause of the packed out stadium in a lap of the pitch to show their gratitude to the fans.
READ MORE: Kenny Miller on Rangers and Celtic three team rule miss as he talks Ibrox return destiny after exit
On his chat with Clarke, he explained: “You have to set high expectations for yourself.
“You can’t just go into games hoping to do well. You must go in believing. I spoke to the manager and he said, ‘I don’t think you’re playing with a smile on your face, and I want to see the smile come back out’.
“That was the first day I arrived and I thought, ‘Do you know what, he is right’.
“I felt the smile did need to come back on my face, and I need to start enjoying football and playing like I love it. That’s sometimes hard when there is a lot going on in your life.
“But when he said that I went back to my room and thought he’d hit the nail on the head there. I got my head down and concentrated on my football, and that’s all I need to do."
On the atmosphere created by the Tartan Army and the full-time scenes in Mount Florida, he added: “I had goosebumps the entire way around the pitch when we were clapping the supporters. All the fans were singing and going wild and jumping up and down.
“Seeing my mum and dad with other family members standing up there — like my aunties and cousins — was just really special.
“It’s something you’ll never, ever forget in your life. Seeing that was everything I could have wished for.”
READ NEXT:
- Allan McGregor Rangers future clue with veteran handed 'not finished yet' Michael Beale verdict
- Celtic hero fumes at Rangers penalty stat as referees blasted for using VAR as 'coward's way out'
- Barry Ferguson responds to Alfredo Morelos Everton shirt row as Rangers hero left baffled
