Alex McLeish recalls persuading Scott McTominay to play for Scotland

Alex McLeish says he helped bring Scott McTominay into Scotland’s team during his second spell as manager.

In 2018, McLeish travelled to Manchester United’s training ground to meet the Lancaster-born player, who was also eligible to play for England.

United manager Jose Mourinho told McLeish that McTominay wanted to play for Scotland.

McLeish recalled seeing a young player with strength, pace and skill, though Scotland initially used him as a defender.

He excelled in central midfield during Scotland’s qualifiers for Euro 2024, including scoring twice in a celebrated win over Spain.

McTominay later joined Napoli, won Serie A and was named Italy’s best player, while Scotland’s progress also included reaching a World Cup this summer.

The account gives no further steps for McTominay or Scotland.