Scotland National Team Archives

“We had to show it again today, and we showed it in abundance to get the job done!”- Anthony Ralston reflects on a dramatic Scottish Cup victory

Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston praised the character shown by the Celtic squad to fend off a St. Mirren comeback and reach a fourth consecutive Scottish Cup final. Celtic ran out 6-2 winners, but needed extra-time to see off Craig Mcleish’s side who came back from 2-0 down in stoppage time. Ralston scored his first Hampden goal in a Celtic shirt to put Martin O’Neill’s side 2-0 up just before half time. But Celtic needed to show a lot of resilience after dropping a two goal lead. “The mentality that we showed, that we’ve showed all throughout the years has gave us success. We had to show it again today and we showed it in abundance to get the job done.” He also mentioned that Celtic will be keen to win May’s cup final, having lost their last two cup finals. But focus now immediately shifts to the title race. “It’s in the back of our mind in terms of we’ve obviously got a title race to take care of in the next couple of weeks. Then we can have that at the end of the season and hopefully get more silverware.” Ralston also acknowledged that his place in the Scotland World Cup squad isn’t guaranteed, but a goal today as well as two more potential winners medals will certainly help his case for a call-up. “I don’t take anything for granted. It’s a crazy game. That’s why days like today, I need to keep taking my opportunities, I need to keep proving myself to hopefully get in that squad and that’s obviously my aim. As well as obviously being successful and winning trophies. I’ve got a lot that keeps me going and a lot that drives me everyday to be at my best. “Everybody’s a collective here. You know, we’re all hungry, we’ve all got the desire. We know it’s been a tough season. “I’ve got enough on my plate to try and win more. So I’m going to try and win more trophies at Celtic going into the end of the season and also trying to be successful internationally as well. So I’ve got a lot to keep me going.” He also admitted that prior to his goal, his first instinct wasn’t even to go for goal. “Initially, in my mind I was going to cross it. But then I thought I’ll just have a hit. Then it’s about having as clean a strike as possible across the goal and maybe not as close to the crossbar as I wanted. “I’ve not scored at Hampden for Celtic and I’ve said it all through the years. It was an incredible feeling.” Celtic will now face Dunfermline Athletic on the 23rd May in the final of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup. But they’ll first turn their attention to league action with five games remaining in this year’s title race. Celtic host Falkirk on Saturday.

April 19, 2026

“If We Don’t Get The Result, We Just Get Booed” – Scotland Skipper on Tartan Booing Brigade

Scotland captain Andrew Robertson believes only a ‘minority’ of Scottish fans voiced their displeasure as the national side were booed off after a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool. Steve Clarke’s team were also subject to booing after a home 1-0 defeat to Japan in their last game, with the Scotland manager labelling the noise as ‘disappointing’. And his skipper Robertson, who became Scotland’s second most capped player ever last night, agrees that the crowd reaction isn’t justified. He said: “I think it’s now just set, if we don’t get the result then we just get booed. “What I will say is 95% of the fans drowned it out very quickly, so it’s a small minority. It was a small minority at Hampden on Saturday and it was a small minority today. “Everyone behind that goal that were clapping were fans that were appreciative of what they’ve seen, appreciative of the team that have took them to a World Cup, and the reception at the end was unbelievable. So it’s only a few people. “For me, that’s not a booing performance. Okay, we got beat, and I hate getting beat, but it was a lot of positives to take. It wasn’t from a want or trying, we played some really good stuff, especially in the second half.” And the 32-year-old was quick to point out the level of opposition that Scotland had tested themselves out against in these two friendlies. “I think Japan have just beat England 1-0 today as well. Let’s be real, we go beat off Japan 1-0 and it was a 0-0 game, we just probably made a mistake and they’ve went and beat England. “Ivory Coast won 4-0 on Saturday and I think for large parts, we were the better team.” Scotlands next confirmed fixture is at home to Curacao on May 30th, as they have one final send off before their first World Cup in 28 years.

April 1, 2026

“I was scared” – Returning McGinn feared World Cup dream was over

John McGinn admits he was “petrified” after being forced off with injury in January, casting doubt over his World Cup place, as the Aston Villa captain looks ahead to their maiden tournament appearance for 28 years. Speaking ahead of their latest friendly against the Ivory Coast in Merseyside, McGinn recalled the panic from the injury at Villa Park. “I remember right away feeling, oh, this isn’t right. It was 10, 15 minutes into the game, I blocked a pass against Everton, and I knew right away, so my hand goes up, and obviously, I’ve known experienced players who have done serious knee injuries six months plus, feeling able to walk off. “I was petrified, really, but then you get the scan, and you wait, and thankfully it was good news that it was only a minor knee injury. “The knee obviously reacts in different ways to surgery, but it could have been a lot, lot worse. It was expected to be six to eight weeks. Managed to come back in six weeks.” “I thought it was an important time for the club, an important time of the season, big games, but then, as the days went on, it started to swell more and there was more fluid in the knee,” he recalls. “So, as much as I like to think I could have braved on, it was clear quite soon that I needed the surgery. As you get older, of course, you need to look after your body. I’m 31 now, so to do anything crazy would be wild.” Ten years ago this past weekend, McGinn collected the first of 84 international caps against Denmark. The former Hibs midfielder appreciated the journey he and his teammates have embarked on. “It was a friendly against a team who had qualified, but we had nothing to play for,” he recalls. “It does seem like a long time ago, but the way we’ve evolved as a group of players is huge. “How far we’ve come is incredible.” Having represented Scotland at back-to-back European Championships, McGinn understands the rise in expectations from the Tartan Army ahead of their overseas trip to Boston and Miami. “There’s still so much we’ve got to improve, we know that,” he says. “But we’re a small country, fighting against bigger nations. We don’t have the same luxuries that they do. But what we do have is grit and determination. “Was this our best campaign? No, probably not in terms of performances. But we had one objective, and that was to finish first in the group, create some history, and we managed to do that.”

March 30, 2026

Scotland 0- 1 Japan: Dull Display from Scots as winless Hampden friendly run continues.

Scotland remain 10 years without a friendly victory at Hampden after an uninspiring performance in cagey game against Japan. Scotland host Japan at Hampden Park for the first time in history in a World Cup warm-up match for this summer’s tournament. The nations have only faced three times before, with two 0-0 draws and Japan coming out 2-0 winners in 2009. Manager Steve Clarke makes changes for this squad, as Kilmarnock loanee Findlay Curtis gets his first callup to the senior squad, while Ros McCrorie is also in the squad since making his international debut two years ago. This is Scotland’s first match since their stunning 4-2 victory against Denmark four months ago. Scotland fans will of course be familiar while Japan’s Daizen Maeda, who was PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year for Celtic last season, and has seven league goals for the club this season. Other players include Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada, who featured in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League final victory against Rangers in 2022. Japan is on a four-match unbeaten run, which includes a 3-2 win against Brazil last October in Tokyo. First Half The first half kicked off under the Hampden sun, with Scotland wearing their newly released away kit. The half started with early pressure from Japan, as four minutes into the game an early shot from captain Maeda was blocked by the Scotland defence. Only four minutes later however, Scotland mustered their first attack. McGinn raced down the right-hand side, and his low cross was met by McTominay, who looked like he would convert the chance, but a save by Zion Suzuki bounced off the post and onto the goal line and was cleared by the Japanese defence. The next chance would come midway through the half as Kodai Sano’s shot from outside the box went straight into the hands of Angus Gunn. Keisuke Goto’s blocked shot also failed to find the target after a Japan corner. Ao Tanaka would see his chance rattle off the crossbar just after the half hour mark, as Japan continued their control of the game without really testing Gunn in the Scotland goal. Five minutes later, good passing play from Japan put Yuito Suzuki in a threatening area, but his shot also went straight to Angus Gunn to collect. Just before halftime, Scotland would get up the pitch from left to right, as Conway’s cross flew to Patterson, who delivered a floated cross to McTominay, but his glancing header failed to threaten Suzuki who easily collected. Gunn also handled a chance by defender Watanabe, as the referee blew the whistle for halftime. Second Half Japan made three half time changes whilst Steve Clarke opted to field the same eleven. Early in the half Scotland moved the ball around well, and captain Andy Robertson looped a cross into McTominay, who once again was unable to find the target. Japan’s fast counterattack saw substitute Junnosuke Suzuki’s shot fall straight into Gunn’s hands. Scotland looked to attack; however, Scott McTominay was brought down by Fujita just outside the Japan box. McTominay’s freekick was then tipped over the bar by Suzuki. A great solo run by Andy Robertson down the left-hand side saw his shot from a narrow angle saved by Suzuki for a Scotland corner. On the hour mark, Scotland made their first changes as John McGinn and Lyndon Dykes made way for Ryan Christie and George Hirst Daizen Maeda also exited the field of play, still unable to shake off a season of struggle at club level. Following a Japan corner, the ball fell to substitute Mitoma on the edge of the box, but his shot flashed just wide of the post. Only a few minutes later, Junya Ito found the ball deep into the Scotland box, turning Lewis Ferguson and forcing a good save out of Angus Gunn for Japan’s best chance of the game. Japan once again showed good passing play as Mitoma raced down the left-hand side and looped the ball over Gunn, however Denmark hero Kenny McLean was there to make the clearance. Steve Clarke made more changes as captain Robertson and McTominay came off for Kieran Tierney and Billy Gilmour. Tierney showed good awareness to intercept a potential Japanese attack, and played a good ball into George Hirst, whose shot went wide into the side netting. Only a minute later Conway was brought down by Doan for a freekick deep into Japanese territory, but the Scots were unable to make it count. Into the final ten minutes of the game, Anthony Ralston entered the pitch for Nathan Patterson, whilst Conway made way for Findlay Curtis, who made his full international debut. Only a few minutes later, Japan finally broke the deadlockwith good play as the ball fell to Junya Ito, who bundled shot slid past Angus Gunn to make it 1-0 to the visitors with less than ten minutes remaining. This was the Genk man’s 15international goal. Scotland failed to threaten in the final minutes of the match, as the game fizzled out for a 1-0 victory to Japan. Following this result, Japan extended their unbeaten run to five, as they next face a Wembley visit to play England. Meanwhile, Scotland’s ten-year winless run in friendly home games continues. They next travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for their friendly match against Ivory Coast on Tuesday, as the continue preparations for summer’s tournament. Scotland: Gunn (7), Patterson (7), Hendry (6), McKenna (6), Robertson (6), Ferguson (6), McLean (6), McGinn (6), McTominay (7), Conway (5), Dykes (5) Subs: Hirst (5), Christie (5), Gilmour (6), Tierney (7), Ralston(6), Curtis (6) Japan: Z. Suzuki (8), Seko (6), Watanabe (8), Ito (7), Sugawara (6), Fujita (7), Tanaka (7), Maeda (c) (6), Y. Suzuki(7), Sano (7), Goto (6) Subs: Taniguchi (6), J. Suzuki (6), Mitoma (8), Nakamura (7), Doan (6), Ueda (7), Ito (9), Hashioka (6), Shiogai (8), Kamada (7)

March 29, 2026

Clarke disappointed by boos as World Cup preparations stall against Japan

As Shaun Evans called time on Scotland’s abject defeat to Japan yesterday evening, sections of Hampden Park descended into a chorus of boos, a stark contrast from November’s euphoric triumph over the Danes. Junya Ito provided the crucial blow, latching onto a loose ball in the Scotland penalty area, to consign the hosts to a 1-0 loss. With just three friendlies remaining before judgment day in Boston, the defeat stalled the momentum of Steve Clarke’s heroes. Speaking at full-time, a typically stoic Clarke remained upbeat about his side’s performance. “There’s a lot to take,” he said. “Obviously, there are one or two things we can do better. “To lose it on the goal [we conceded] is disappointing. The game at that stage looked like it was going to peter out to a 0-0 draw. “We made a mistake, probably tried to go forward too early, got caught, and they managed to score off it. “I thought we defended well in the game against a very good side. They pop the ball around really well, and we knew they would cause us problems. I thought it would be a low-scoring game, and it was. “Tommy did really well coming off the left side and didn’t do himself any harm tonight. I liked my midfield; my midfield was strong. “We played a lot of good stuff, and I think we can be a bit more progressive to get to the top end of the pitch, but against top opposition sometimes that’s difficult.” Kenny McLean sealed Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years, and saw the exercise against Japan as crucial experience ahead of the tournament. “A disappointing result. It’s good to get these challenges, we’re trying to prepare as well as we can for a big summer ahead.” “We’ll try to get better and that’s what we’ll try to do again on Tuesday. The shape was decent enough at times. “The second half was a bit better out of possession, but I think we could have been a bit more threatening at the top end of the pitch. “Japan are a really good team, they press you really well, but that’s what we’re going to come up against in the summer. “There’s an expectation now, and we want those expectations on us. We want to reach a new level.” Scotland travel to Merseyside on Tuesday to face the Ivory Coast at Everton’s gleaming new stadium. Though just a friendly, it feels necessary that Clarke’s reteam re-establish the momentum that pushed them to the Promised Land of the World Cup.

March 29, 2026

“The quickest I’d moved all night!” – McLean Recalls Scotland 4-2 Denmark

Kenny McLean etched his name into Scottish footballing folklore with a 98th-minute halfway line hit, ending the Tartan Army’s 28-year exile from the World Cup stage. Reflecting on that night at Mount Florida via the National Team’s social media, the midfielder described the experience as nothing short of ‘incredible.’ “Walking out here, I still try to picture the scenes that went on that night, and it’s something that will live forever for everybody. It was in this place, and now we’ve got something to look forward to” The Norwich City midfielder got the early call from the bench after Ben Gannon-Doak’s exit in the 21st minute. “I saw Doaky go down, I was looking around and telling lads to get warmed up who I thought would have come on on the wing, and at the time I didn’t consider Ryan [Christie] going there and me going inside. “I got the call, and didn’t have too much time to think about it.” The familiar sting of ‘glorious failure’ returned in the 81st minute. Patrick Dorgu’s clinical finish left Craig Gordon motionless, and the Tartan Army devastated, seemingly condemning Scotland to the playoffs “Maybe for a second it did cross our mind that we were going to come up short again, but we found it from somewhere. “This squad is something that I’ve never been involved in. I’m sure all the lads say the same thing about it, incredible.” McLean had the perfect view to watch Kieran Tierney restore the lead in the 93rd minute. “I’m right behind Kieran when he is taking the shot, it starts a yard outside the post, and as soon as I saw it turning in, I knew where it was landing.” With the final kick of the game, McLean hammered home his place in history, punching Scotland’s ticket to America in breathtaking fashion. “I was thinking (about going to) the corner initially, I think I had Che [Adams] on one side, Fergie [Lewis Ferguson] on the other, and I found myself in this very spot. “There was just a noise that seemed to come around the stadium, initial shouts of shoot were probably ignored, and then I took a touch out of my feet, but I wasn’t set to hit it. “The louder the shouts got, I thought the game’s probably done, if it goes into the keeper’s hand I’ll probably get some abuse, but when I saw the keeper going back the way, and I saw it dropping and hit the net, it was special!” Bedlam followed in all corners of the National Stadium, a special goal to cap off a special night. Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti await in Boston and Miami, and the Tartan Army will hope the side can deliver similar heroics on the world stage.

March 27, 2026

“Playing for Scotland is the pinnacle” – Determined Conway delights at National return

Scotland’s Tommy Conway knew a call-up to Steve Clarke’s March squad would be his “real chance” of achieving a World Cup berth, as the Middlesbrough forward hopes to mirror his domestic form in the National side. His eight league goals have pushed Boro into the automatic promotion spots with just seven games to play in the English Championship. Speaking in camp, Conway revealed that honing his daily habits was the key to breaking into the Scotland squad. “I set myself targets and goals, and I really did commit to the process ever since November, using it as fuel to make sure I got into this one. “I’ve done that, and almost that’s like the first box ticked. The next box to tick is to get to the World Cup, and I’m doing everything I can to get there. Having missed out on Scotland’s rollercoaster World Cup qualification campaign, Conway hopes to bring a “winning mentality” to the National side, backing up his positive form in the English second tier. “I missed out on three camps, and I’d be lying if you don’t start to think, ‘Am I for Scotland anymore? What am I going to have to do to get back into the squad?’ “You have to feel like, ‘I’ve been there before, so why can’t I be there again? “I work every day to achieve targets that I set myself, and playing for Scotland is the pinnacle for me.” “We’re doing well, and I want to bring that winning mentality to Scotland and try and make my mark when I’m away at the international stage,” he added. “I think playing with pressure every week is only going to benefit you and the experience you get from that. “You can then take that into playing for Scotland as well and, when you go to the World Cup, if I make it there, it’s going to be pressure.” Scotland v Japan Barclays Hampden Saturday 28th March 5pm KO

March 26, 2026

Some of the world class Brazilians to play against Scotland

As we approach the World Cup, the well exhilarated fixture between Scotland and Brazil comes closer day by day. So, here are some well-known Brazilian icons that have previously played against Scotland. Pele – One of the greatest of all time Pele, featured at Hampden Park for a friendly fixture against Scotland. And there is a fantastic story behind it. Brazil used Troon Juniors ground to train for the fixture, while Pele soaked in the atmosphere with the locals at the seaside. A whopping 75,000 people were in attendance for the 1-1 draw at Hampden Park, were Celtic’s Stevie Chalmers scored for Scotland. The Brazilian icon and three-time World Cup winner scored 77 goals in 92 official international matches. As well as over 640 goals in 659 appearances for Santos. Jairzinho – Jairzinho met Scotland on four occasions, he scored in one of the fixtures. He achieved one World Cup in his career, as well as nine goals in 16 appearances in the competition. When he won the World Cup in 1970, he took the headline’s and scored in all six of Brazil’s fixtures, a record that is still unbroken to this day. A Botafogo legend, as well as a World Cup hero, Jairzinho will always go down in history for his fantastic footballing ability. Zico – Zico met Scotland twice, and damaged Scotland on both occasions, scoring two goals in two matches. Zico often gets noted as the best player to not win a World Cup, which speaks greatly about his talent. In 1982 especially, one of the greatest ever Brazil teams were knocked out by Italy, crushing all hopes in grabbing another World Cup title. However, Zico’s career was phenomenal. A great servant to Flamengo and Brazil, saw him lead his club to several titles in his time. For Brazil, Zico is in the top five for all time scorers for country, scoring 48 goals in 71 appearances. Roberto Carlos – Roberto Carlos met Scotland in the World Cup of 1998, when they defeated Craig Brown’s side 2-1. The one-time World Cup winner, two-time Copa America winner and three-time Champions League winner had an incredible career. Carlos was also a World Cup runner up in the France 98’ competition. The Brazilian is commonly believed to be one of the best left-backs of all time. With his fantastic period at Real Madrid, his cross of the ball and spectacular free-kicks were simply regarded as outstanding. Cafu – Cafu met Scotland in the 1998 World Cup in France. The two-time World Cup winner, two-time Copa America winner and Champions league winner with AC Milan is also commonly believed to be one of the best full-backs in history. Cafu captained Brazil to the 2002 World Cup in Japan. With 143 appearances for country, Cafu remains as the highest capped Brazilian in history, which emphasises the special career he had. Rivaldo – Rivaldo was also part of that squad that defeated Scotland in 98’. His incredible career was awarded with a Ballon d’Or in 1999 while playing with Barcelona, one World Cup, one Copa America, one Champions League with AC Milan and two La Liga’s with Barcelona. Also being regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders of all time, and a crucial factor of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory. Ronaldo – Ronaldo also featured in that Brazil squad that defeated Scotland in 98’. The Brazilian icon won two World Cups, two Copa America’s and received two Ballon d’Or’s. On top of that, he had a magnificent career at great clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan. He scored over 400 goals throughout his career. The striker is also well known for his haircut during the 2002 World Cup. Neymar – Neymar met Scotland in a friendly in 2011, he scored the two goals in a 2-0 win. Neymar has won one Champions League in his career and became the highest goal scoring player ever for Brazil, as well as playing 123 times for the national team. The Brazilian also has a remarkable achievement of over 700 goal contributions throughout his career so far. Neymar also made a record-breaking transfer move in 2017, when he moved from Barcelona to PSG for €222 million.

March 24, 2026

Five uncapped players who could potentially go to The World Cup

With The World Cup approaching, here is five players that may get a spot on the plane come June. Elliot Watt – The Motherwell midfielder is certainly having a season to remember. Himself and the rest of his teammates have gone way above and beyond expectations for The Steelmen in this season’s league campaign. Having already represented Scotland at youth level, Steve Clarke must be keeping a close eye on the midfielder for a potential spot. Harry Milne – The Hearts fullback has had a sensational season so far. Replacing James Penrice at the start of the season wasn’t going to be easy. However, Milne has excelled and been a key factor in Hearts’ push for the title this season. Craig Halkett – The experienced centre-half may also be catching the attention of Steve Clarke. A strong defensive record in the league, a few goals to his name and an important leader in the Hearts dressing room. Could put him in strong contention for that World Cup spot. Josh Mulligan – The Hibs midfielder has been impressive this season, which has already sparked interest from clubs in the Premier League. An experienced campaigner for Scotland U21’s and already settled with the first team environment, may see the standout midfielder head to North America in June. Stephen Welsh – The Motherwell loanee has certainly cemented his spot in Jens Berthel Askou’s squad. And with the most clean sheets in the league, alongside the neat style of play Askou has drilled into him and the rest of the Motherwell squad, may be the reason why Welsh gets a chance to perform at the biggest stage of all.

March 13, 2026

Bundesliga Star “Not Expecting” Scotland Recall

Oliver Burke insists that enjoying his football for Union Berlin is the top priority, as the World Cup looms for Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad. In an interview with BBC Scotland, the 28-year-old striker advised he hasn’t put “too much thought” into a National call-up. “I’m not really expecting anything. I’m just enjoying myself and enjoying football again, which is the most important thing for me. “If I can, hopefully, do some good performances, score some more goals and hopefully that is catching the eye a little bit and gives me a chance, at least. “Obviously, it’s an absolute honour to wear the badge and represent your country. It’s such a privilege. Obviously, I would really love that again and to have that experience again. “I cannot think too much about that. I have to just stay focused and do the best I can here and see what happens.” The Kirkcaldy-born attacker began his professional career with Nottingham Forest, enjoying a brief loan spell with Celtic in 2019. Burke is widely known for his Bundesliga stints; his CV is littered with top clubs, including RB Leipzig, Werder Bremen, and now Union Berlin. His 13 million pound fee to join Leipzig was a Scottish record at the time. Burke recalled the whirlwind nature of this transfer. “I was young, the price tag, I didn’t really know too much about it,” he remembered. “I didn’t really understand it so much at that age. As I got older, it started to weigh a little bit. “In football, everything happens quickly. You have your good moments, and then there can be bad moments. “It’s been kind of like this throughout my career. Many ups and many downs.” Burke has 13 appearances for the National side, and was part of the squad which defeated Serbia to reach the first European Championship since 1998. Steve Clarke has predominantly favoured the likes of Lyndon Dykes, Lawrence Shankland, and Che Adams across his tenure, but could the manager be tempted by Burke’s Bundesliga form?

February 18, 2026

Scotland National Team