Mcnamara: Long wait may soon be over

Former Dundee United boss Jackie Mcnamara feels the national side have their best chance to end their 20 year absence from top tournaments.

Mcnamara went to France in 1998 under Craig Brown and was also involved the last time the Scots made the play-offs for the European Championships in 2004, with the Uefa Nations League presenting them with a chance to return to the big stage.

Mcnamara, who won 33 caps under four different Scotland managers, was impressed by what he saw against Albania and believes Alex Mcleish can end their years in the wilderness.

He said: “It gives us a good chance to qualify and I believe we’ve got the players to do it. The group we have now is relatively young and that stands us in good stead.

“What Alex said after the game on Monday night is he’ll play guys in form. It’s hard to believe it is 20 years since we last qualified.

“I put that down to the luck of the draw – playing the big teams has not helped – and players and managers coming and going.

“There was pressure on Scotland on Monday but that comes following the games in the summer and the game last Friday. We deserved to win with the chances we created. It would have been a travesty if we hadn’t.”

Mcnamara, who turned out for Celtic, Wolves, Aberdeen, Falkirk and Partick Thistle in his playing career, as well as managing the Jags and Dundee United, has fond memories of Hampden Park, which the Scottish FA is now to purchase from Queen’s Park.

He added: “I really enjoyed playing there in cup finals and managing. Time will tell if it’s a good one for the nation as a lot of people like going to Murrayfield, as well as Hampden Park.

“Everyone talks about how far it is from the pitch and you notice that when you manage there, when you have to walk 30 yards back to the dugout.

“I don’t think it comes as much of a surprise to many people. With the people within the SFA, there’s a strong Queen’s Park connection.”

Jackie Mcnamara: Bullish about Scotland’s chances.