Scotland duo Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour have backed manager Steve Clarke to lead the team to World Cup success, with their sole focus being to progress from the group stage. The players praised Clarke's impact as Scotland builds toward the tournament under its longest-serving head coach.

Clarke has guided Scotland to three of the past four major finals after securing back-to-back European Championship qualifications. The 62-year-old, who will be out of contract after the World Cup, has overseen 76 matches since 2019. "He will go down as the greatest Scottish manager ever," said Gilmour. "We have come together with the manager and got ourselves out of difficult moments."

McTominay emphasized Clarke's man-management: "First and foremost, he is a great man who gives the players licence to express ourselves." The midfielder insisted unity is crucial as Scotland target knockout stage progression. "To come out of the group has to be the only thing on our minds."