Armstrong: Scots down south are the real deal

Stuart Armstrong reckons the growing number of Scottish stars in the English Premier League is proof that the national side can end its exile from major tournaments.

The likes of John Mcginn, Scott Mctominay, John Fleck, Ryan Fraser, Kenny Mclean and Oli Mcburnie are among the plethora of players who have made their mark in the top-flight south of the border this season.

Armstrong reckons that is night and day from previous groups, particularly during the reign of Gordon Strachan, which were heavily reliant on Celtic players.

The former Hoops and Dundee United midfielder is another star thriving in England with Southampton and he is adamant Scotland have the quality to reach a finals for the first time since 1998.

Steve Clarke’s charges will reach the European Championships, which are now slated for 2021, if they can see off Israel and then defeat the victors of Norway’s encounter with Serbia in Oslo.

Armstrong said: “Going back a number of years now, there was a number of Scottish players coming down to England and doing really well.

“But I think there’s been a lull in recent years – a clear absence of Scottish players – with the exception of Darren Fletcher at Manchester United.

“There was a time when the majority of the national team were Celtic players. I think nine or 10 of the starting 11 played for Celtic, or had played for Celtic.

“Now we (Scots) seem to be more and more present in the Premier League, and they’re all really great players. It’s great to see.”

However, Armstrong believes the success of Scotland’s near neighbours in recent years has created a burden of expectation.

Despite having a weaker pool of players to choose from, Northern Ireland qualified for Euro 2016 and went on to reach the last-16. Wales reached the semi-finals of that tournament in a fairytale campaign for Chris Coleman’s men.

He added: “We’ve got a massive chance to qualify and everyone knows that.

“Everyone knows the prize at the end and that’s something for which the country has been desperate for a long time now.

“Ultimately, it’s a huge chance to get to the Euros. To be so close is exciting for the country and a lot of people will be watching.

“We’ve seen countries of a similar size, like Ireland and Wales, really progress, and Northern Ireland too. They’ve been going into these major competitions and really doing well, so there’s another added pressure on Scotland.

“People are asking, ‘Why can’t we go to these big tournaments as well?’”

Picture: SNS Group. Scotland’s Stuart Armstrong.