Steve Clarke: Scotland coach wants to “write names in the history books”

“We’re talking about a lot of players here who have never seen their country in a men’s World Cup,” said Clarke, who missed out on selection as a player for the 1990 tournament.

“For them, what an opportunity to be immediately written into Scotland’s history books. That’s what it is, the opportunity is there to do it.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to see Scotland a few times in the World Cup. It’s a great occasion. We’d love to go to the USA, Mexico or Canada. We’re the ones who can make it happen and that’s what we’re aiming to do.”

“We know we have two very tough games, but we will do everything we can to make sure we are the team that travels across the ocean.”

In order to do this, fly fishing and golf will have to be shelved, but it is a small sacrifice if Scotland secure their place in next summer’s tournament.

Even if they don’t do it by the deadline, there is a safe buffer zone in the playoffs, but Clarke has said himself that he wants his team to be the “top dogs” in the group.

Easier said than done, but the head coach has his goals.

He added: “When I think about something, I focus. I either focus on golf or I focus on football.”

“This week, I promise I’m focusing more on football.”