Scotland: Scott McTominay wants Steve Clarke to stay

McTominay insisted he and his teammates are determined to make amends for Euro 2024, when they finished bottom of their group in Germany, as they progress to the knock-out stages for the first time.

“Looking back, it doesn’t sit well with me,” said the 29-year-old Napoli midfielder. “I still have that bit in my teeth where you want to try to change it this time and I’m sure everyone on that team feels the same way.

“Obviously, for us, it’s very important that we take it one at a time. That’s the key in football – not to look too far ahead.”

Scotland are in the final for the first time since 1998 and for McTomine it’s about realizing a dream that he saw as the “wow” moment when Andres Iniesta scored Spain’s winner in the 2010 final.

“For me, this is the moment in football that you live as a player,” he said.

“Just scoring a goal or being part of a World Cup campaign and, if you manage to help your country get there, those memories are some of the best moments of your life and you have to cherish them.

“You have to remember that young lad watching would tear your arm off to even have the chance to do that.”

McTominay has become a cult hero at Napoli since his transfer from Manchester United, helping them win the Italian title last season.

However, he said: “The pinnacle of football is playing in a World Cup and the Champions League.

“That’s where every youngster dreams of playing football and that’s where I want to play football.

“For me, it’s about not going too far and doing all the things that have allowed you to compete at this level, which is working relentlessly in the gym and training to the best of your ability in every training session.”