Scotland: Ryan Christie ‘desperate’ for more finals

“But I’ve had a great time with the guys that have been together for so many years.

“When you finish, you’re even hungrier.

“I’m desperate to get to more tournaments now, just wondering when is the next one?”

Despite Euro 2028 being co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, all four countries must go through qualification.

However, with two automatic spots reserved for the hosts who failed to qualify through the group stage, the Scots will be confident of competing in the final.

“We were determined to qualify for the World Cup and we ticked that box,” said Christie, who signed a new three-year deal with his Premier League club last month.

“Now we really want to go to a tournament and make an impression. This is the next step for our nation.”

Despite a four-year contract extension ahead of the World Cup, Steve Clarke stepped down as it became clear Scotland could not improve, with Christie describing the head coach’s announcement to the players as “very emotional”.

Christie has 71 caps and played at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 under Clarke.

“He called a meeting, which we thought should draw a line under the tournament,” he said. “Naturally, everyone was shocked and disappointed.

“He has done so much for us and has obviously gone down as a legend in Scotland. He will be missed.

“I’m looking forward to seeing who comes in and hopefully we can have another good run.”