This Scotland team is the best we’ve had since the one I played in under Walter Smith and Alex McLeish.
When I think back to our Euro 2008 campaign we also had a huge game against Ukraine at Hampden.
We won that one 3-1 – with myself, Lee McCulloch and James McFadden getting the goals.
It was a brilliant victory that day against a side that contained superstar Andriy Shevchenko in their ranks.
But ultimately, with Italy and France also in our group, we fell just short of qualification.
I hate comparing teams from different eras because the game has changed and there’s a new format for qualifying now.
On the face of it, with the level the current crop are playing at, you would say Steve Clarke ’s side are stronger.
Go through the names ... Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Che Adams – all playing in the Premier League.
That’s before you consider Celtic captain Callum McGregor or Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack.
Jack played in a Europa League Final last week but won’t take part in this World Cup play-off tie due to injury.
Then I look at that team from 14 years ago.
In midfield Barry Ferguson and Scott Brown would walk into most sides.
I’m sure Steve would take Alan Hutton for right-back now and Davie Weir at centre-half.
He’d also find a way of getting Faddy into today’s side for his mercurial talent.
And obviously I’d be looking for a start myself up front!
Seriously, if you asked any of those players – we haven’t even mentioned Darren Fletcher yet – if they could play in today’s team, 100 per cent they would say, ‘Yes!’
That’s why it’s so hard to compare. Both squads held exceptionally talented players.
But the key is Steve has somehow created the same spirit, togetherness and vibe that we had under Walter and Alex.
In three years he has found the right blend on and off the pitch.
They’re so unified and getting to the Euros last summer undoubtedly helped with that.
Achieving that together brings you closer and creates the kind of environment that every coach wants.
It gave them the taste for tournament football and they look hungry for more.
The connection with the Tartan Army and the vibe coming out of the camp reminds me of the
2008 campaign.
Walter changed the feeling within our squad instantly.
We’d been in such a low place but on his first trip – a training camp in Manchester – everything just flipped.
We’ve talked so much about Walter’s strengths as a man and as a manager. But he just got it.
He could just get groups together.
Immediately, our mindset changed under him and Alex carried it on.
The one difference between the sides from then and now is that Steve’s team made it to a finals.
This team have belief now because of their qualification for Euro 2020.
The side I was involved in always believed we could get a result in any game. But these players have actually backed it up by taking the next step and reaching a major tournament.
We didn’t do that – we just couldn’t get that monkey off the country’s back.
We always hoped we’d be the team who ended the barren run.
And we were up against some top-quality teams like Italy, France and Germany.
Even when we reached the play-off we were drawn against Holland. But the belief within Steve’s group actually has
some substance.
And he’s also spoiled for choice now in terms of his starting
line-up.
Up front was always a problem area for us back then. But Clarke has found solutions.
Whether it’s Adams or Lyndon Dykes through the middle, with boys supporting from behind, we look a real threat.
Throw Ross Stewart and Jacob Brown into the mix now and we’ve got real competition and guys who bring something different to the team.
Going into the Ukraine game, I’m always slightly concerned when we’re missing one of our centre-backs, whether it’s McTominay, Tierney or Grant Hanley.
So Tierney missing out on Wednesday night is a big loss because he’s a world-class player.
I’d go with Liam Cooper as his replacement in that position.
He’s played at Premier League level with Leeds for a couple of seasons now under quality coaches in Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.
But with all due respect to Liam, he’s not going to go bombing past Robertson on the left flank.
Mind you, there aren’t many players who can.
We’re so lucky to have Tierney who can play that position and cause problems for teams going forward.
He helps a guy like Robertson who himself is playing at an elite level. Cooper is a reliable centre-back but won’t give us what Tierney does – it’s just not in his DNA.
It’s a blow for us but I still believe we can get past Ukraine, particularly with the Hampden crowd behind them.
This team are in a good place right now. Steve has found a way of playing that suits us.
And Scotland are in every game they play now. Beating Denmark at home recently proved that.
We’ve got a great balance of having things you’d associate with a Scottish team, that doggedness, hard work and willingness to defend for your life.
We’ve also got the creative stuff and possess an attacking threat going forward.
I believe we’ll be gearing up for a Battle of Britain against Wales in Cardiff next week.
These cut-throat play-off games will be decided on big moments.
It’s about who handles those better. It’s up to Steve and the boys to make sure that it’s us.
