'Not even up for question': Scotland hero lays down law over glory moment

Little wonder Kenny McLean is looking back on the theatrical 4-2 win over Denmark as the pinnacle of his football career.

The 33-year-old from Rutherglen has achieved plenty in the game - most notably captaining Norwich City to the EFL Championship title on two separate occasions.

On the international front, he netted Scotland's decisive fifth penalty in the shoot-out win over Serbia that ended a 23-year wait for tournament football and also scored an unforgettable last minute winner against Norway in Oslo.

But nothing comes close to matching the events of Tuesday night as McLean sent the ball soaring over the head of Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and into the vacant net to finally punch Scotland's ticket to the World Cup finals.

"This is at the top. It’s not even up for question," he said. "I’ve had some high moments, I’ve been lucky and been successful. People can have unbelievable careers but don’t win anything, or achieve this success.

"Everyone anywhere will say, doing things like this with your county is different. There’s no doubt about it. I’ve had a few moments with Scotland I feel very fortunate to have been part of and the other night was another one. But this one tops anything I have ever done."

‘Everyone knows their role’

While individual moments of quality were key to the victory - a Scott McTominay overhead kick and Kieran Tierney pearler made it a hat-trick of jaw-droppers - McLean insists that the squad togetherness fostered by manager Steve Clarke has enabled Scotland to return to the global stage for the first time since France 1998.

"People used to speak about coming away like it was a bit of a chore, or there were people pulling out all the time. You never see that with this squad. There’s a reason for that," he said. "It’s the culture created and everyone wants to play their part. The manager says it, whether you are on the pitch or in the stand, how can you help each other and be a good teammate.

"There is individual brilliance throughout the squad. But when someone drops out there’s no panic. Everyone knows their role and everyone can step in and do their job. So it’s a proper team effort. I’ve never seen togetherness like it in all my career. I’m getting on but it’s just amazing to be part of – and there’s more to come."

Under Clarke, McLean has gone from bit-part Scotland player to a Roll of Honour inductee after surpassing the 50-cap mark during the qualification campaign. "I can’t thank him enough," McLean said. "He’s obviously given me opportunities to have moments in a Scotland jersey. I’ve played over 50 times now and will never take it for granted. You start to realise when you get a bit older how important it is to represent your country.

"Ask anyone in that squad what they think of the manager and they will say the same – he’s incredible. Look at what he’s done, two Euros and a World Cup. It’s unbelievable. Will that ever be repeated? Probably not. He’s been amazing for us, the culture and the togetherness he’s created in the squad, a lot of it is down to him."