I’ll keep on crossing the ocean for Scots cause
BY CRAIG SWAN JOHNNY RUSSELL insists he’ll limp across the Atlantic if asked to help Scotland find their formula to make Euro 2020.
The attacker may be based in the United States with Sporting Kansas City but there is no questioning his commitment for the final four games of the Group I campaign.
Russell is adamant that, despite the final matches against Russia, San Marino, Cyprus and Kazakhstan meaning little in terms of qualification from the section, the togetherness within the group will ensure no one calls off.
Steve Clarke is desperate to find rhythm before the play-offs next March, with the Scots involved due to their Nations League success, and the ex-Dundee United ace insists everyone will want to be involved.
Russell, who has put five years’ service into getting 11 caps, said: “We wanted to get out of the group but the play-off is a fantastic opportunity to qualify.
“All the boys in the squad want to play for the country and I am sure they will continue to do that. I will be here if I am selected.
“There are a lot of guys who have had niggling injuries going into this week but they still came and played and that shows everyone is committed.
“It is a relatively young squad, with a few older guys. Although I can’t believe I am in that group now! We have a squad that wants to achieve things for the country and qualify for a major tournament.
“We want to be the first team to achieve that in 22 years. It’s almost impossible to qualify from the group.
“You can keep hoping but we have to be realistic, it is about looking to the final play-off games.
“We have great players but we need to pull together and not look back.
“We have four games left in the group and we have to put things right.”