Scotland have waited almost three decades for a chance to play at the World Cup, but Steve Clarke’s side finally has the chance to end their exile from the tournament in this week’s final qualification games against Greece and Denmark.
Level on points with Denmark at the top of Group C, the national team can secure an automatic path to the next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada if they can secure at least a draw against Greece, before beating the Danes next Tuesday at Hampden Park.
The last time Scotland sealed qualification to the World Cup came way back on 11 October 1997. Led by the late, great Craig Brown, the national team beat Latvia 2-0 at Celtic Park to nab a place in one of the two automatic qualifying spots ahead of Sweden, thanks to strikes from Kevin Gallacher and Gordon Durie.
But what happened to the Scotland starting XI from the last time Scotland qualified for the World Cup back in 1997?
13. Sub: Simon Donnelly
Won just ten Scotland caps during his career, but was named as part of Craig Brown's squad for the World Cup in 1998, though he failed to make an appearance. Moved across the border to sign for Sheffield Wednesday in 1999, before taking in stints with St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, and Partick Thistle, where he retired in 2011. Worked as an assistant manager at Dundee United, York City, and Brechin City before moving into media work. Has found more success in media, and is frequently seen as a pundit on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo: SNS Group
14. Sub: Billy McKinlay
Having begun his career at Dundee United, the tough-tackling midfielder was sold to English Premier League champions Blackburn Rovers in 1995, where he stayed for five years. Stints at Bradford City, Preston North End, Clydebank, and West Ham United followed before he called time on his playing career in 2005 with Fulham. Since retirement, McKinlay has managed both Watford and Stabæk, but has almost exclusively worked as an assistant manager to David Moyes, working alongside the Scottish manager at Real Sociedad, Sunderland, West Ham United, and currently Everton. Part of the Hammers backroom staff that won the Conference League in 2023. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo: SNS Group