Faddy: We’ll have Scots at the party from now on
JAMES McFADDEN insists he aims to make sure Scotland will never again be reduced to the warm-up act for countries preparing for major tournaments.
The Scots will face World Cup-bound Mexico at the Azteca Stadium tonight after losing 2-0 to Peru, another country off to Russia, on Tuesday.
Scotland have not qualified for a major tournament since France 98.
And McFadden, with the celebrations of the locals in Lima fresh in his mind, is determined to end that record – and soon.
The Scotland coach said: “You can see what is possible and you want to be part of it.
“In two years’ time you don’t want to be going to someone else’s party.
“You want to have your own party, especially with some of the Euro 2020 games being at Hampden, that gives you the extra motivation. Whatever motivates you, you take that and go forward.”
The former Motherwell, Everton and Scotland attacker wishes he could pull on the boots again to play at the Azteca.
However, his focus is on the inaugural Nations League which begins later this year with the Scots in the same group as Albania and Israel.
The 35-year-old said: “Tuesday night was a great experience and I am sure it will be again in the Azteca. It is world famous.
“I wish I was playing to be honest but it’s great for us to sample these cultures and environments.
“The Nations League, that’s what matters. We are trying to find players who we feel are good enough to make sure we are equipped.”
“I really was floored. I watched the match in my bed that night. I jumped out of it when Gordon Strachan scored the opener only for the Germans to go