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Scott McTominay fulfils lifelong dream after earning call-up to Scotland squad

By Ollie Slack

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 19: Scott McTominay is seen during a training session prior to the International Friendly match between Scotland and Costa Rica at Orium Sports Centr on March 19, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 19: Scott McTominay is seen during a training session prior to the International Friendly match between Scotland and Costa Rica at Orium Sports Centr on March 19, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Manchester United starlet Scott McTominay has earned his first call-up to the Scotland national squad. The midfielder has said it’s a “tremendous honour” to represent Scotland, however, the decision was “simple”.

Scott McTominay announced at the start of the month his decision to play for Scotland. The 21-year old could have chosen to don the Three Lions shirt. But McTominay has gone with his heart and chosen to represent the country native to his father.

What McTominay said…

McTominay spoke to the Scottish FA website yesterday and said first and foremost, he has to thank the boss: “I have to thank the boss, Alex McLeish, for giving me an opportunity to come with the squad and hopefully show people what I can do.

“My Dad’s obviously tremendously proud, as all my family are. It’s a tremendous honour to come away with the Scotland national team.

“It’s what you work for your whole life, to improve, do well and hopefully help the team. I’m really pleased.

"“It’s a big honour to come with the Scotland national team. It’s what you work for your whole life.”"

“The manager travelled a long way to speak to me and I have to thank him for that.

“The conversation we had was relatively simple. I wanted to play for Scotland – and I always have done, since I was a young boy, so it was an incredibly proud moment when he did call me up.”

McTominay’s journey hasn’t always been so smooth

Scott McTominay has burst onto the scene at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho has shown a lot of faith in the youngster. However, it hasn’t always been this smooth for Scott: “When I was younger there was a lot of lows. I did go through some difficult periods when I was 15, 16 when growing and not playing as much football as I wanted.
Scott McTominay has burst onto the scene at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho has shown a lot of faith in the youngster. However, it hasn’t always been this smooth for Scott: “When I was younger there was a lot of lows. I did go through some difficult periods when I was 15, 16 when growing and not playing as much football as I wanted. /

“You have to expect what you’re given in football. You work really hard to get to the place where you are at the minute. But I just want to keep playing for my club and get a chance to play for my country and do well.

“I feel that’s made me how mentally strong I am now. When things aren’t going quite right or when something happens in a match you are mentally strong.”

Who is McTominay’s role model?

When asked about the rich Scottish history at Manchester United, McTominay spoke about the influences of former vice-skipper Darren Fletcher, as well as current captain Michael Carrick as a role model: “I spoke with Darren Fletcher (when United played Stoke earlier this season) and he was really good with me. Keep doing what you’re doing, look to improve and work hard.

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“The messages I receive from Darren, the manager (Jose Mourinho) and Alex McLeish I feel are so important to me.

“He’s (Darren Fletcher) trained with us a couple times when I was younger and I did look to him as a role model and a real leader at the football club. The same with others like Michael Carrick who’ve really taken to me and helped me improve.”
“He’s (Darren Fletcher) trained with us a couple times when I was younger and I did look to him as a role model and a real leader at the football club. The same with others like Michael Carrick who’ve really taken to me and helped me improve.” /

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