World Cup: Scotland inspired by Euro 2024 – Ryan Christie

Christie is not the only one to have such hopes. A nation is patiently waiting.

It lives up to the standards set by Christie, his teammates and head coach Steve Clarke – who has “completely changed the set-up” of the national team.

“When I first joined international football, I know I was a bit young and maybe a bit quiet, but I was counting the days until I got back home,” explained the 31-year-old.

“It’s the other way around now. If we meet on a Monday, everyone flies out on Saturday night to spend an extra day with each other – it’s great.”

The trust Clarke has in his players is key. Most know he’s just as loyal on the field, but it’s just as important to Christie.

“He’s put a lot of trust in us if we have a day off and play golf or something, he has full faith that we’re not going to take advantage,” he added.

“Guys who are going to the World Cup now have had a five, six, seven year journey with the manager.

“I think after the Denmark game I saw him properly smiling and enjoying himself a bit, which was great to see. For us as players, we knew how much it would mean for him to tick that off his list.

“For me, he has to go down as one of the greatest, greatest Scottish directors of all time.”