Scotland take on Greece at Hampden tonight as we look to take a huge step in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after a 28 year absence from the most prestigious football tournament of them all…
That last time Scotland qualified was for France 1998, two years shy of the millennium and we went there with a decent squad which contained no fewer than eight Celts with former hoops players John Collins and Derek Whyte also present in Craig Brown’s World Cup squad.
Those eight Celtic players were Johnathon Gould, Jackie McNamara, Tom Boyd, Darren Jackson, Simon Donnelly, Paul Lambert, Craig Burley and Tosh McKinlay, and it would prove to be something of a mixed bag for this Celtic contingent.
Four of those players would start in the glamorous World Cup opener in Paris against holders Brazil who boasted the likes of Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Rivaldo in their starting lineup.
Tom Boyd, Darren Jackson, Paul Lambert and Craig Burley would play from the start, whilst the rest of their club teammates had to make do with a place on bench, in a game beamed to an estimated audience of 500 million worldwide.
Former Celtic favourite John Collins fired in an equaliser from the penalty spot, but unfortunately Tom Boyd diverted the ball into his own net which proved to be the difference in the game as the famous yellow of Brazil won by two goals to one. Tosh McKinlay also made an appearance from the bench.
Scotland’s second fixture was against Norway and the same four Hoops players started, and it turned out to be a proud moment for Craig Burley as he scored the opening goal for the Scots, equalised 66 minutes into the game, and just 20 minutes after the Norwegians opened the scoring. The game that finished in a 1-1 draw, saw Jackie McNamara replacing club teammate Darren Jackson during the second period.
Scoltand’s last fixture was a must win contest if we harboured any hopes of qualifying for the second round, and Morocco were the nation who stood in our way.
Yet again four Celts would start although Jackie McNamara would start with Darren Jackson relegated to the bench. Jackie himself would be hauled off early in the second half as he was replaced by club mate Tosh McKinlay.
Unfortunately, the Scotland team were well and truly humbled by the North Africans who thumped us 3-0 with Craig Burley going from hero to villain as he was sent off in a game where Scotland simply weren’t at the races.
Once again we were sent home before the postcards had arrived. The nation was disappointed yet again, but having eight Celts representing us was a great achievement, will we be able to say the same thing if we god willing qualify for next year’s finals across the Atlantic?
With only Kieran Tierney and Tony Ralston part of Steve Clarke’s plans it seems unlikely.
Incidentally those Celtic players headed to the World Cup in France 1998 as Champions having stopped the ten on the last day of the season with that unforgettable 2-0 win over St Johnstone at Celtic Park.
Celtic though started the next season poorly and many blamed the number of players suffering from playing too much football without much of a summer break due to the World Cup.
Best of luck to Scotland this evening with the match against Greece at a sold-out Hampden Park live on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer.
A huge night at Hampden ahead of us 🏴
🆚 Scotland v Greece
🏆 @FIFAWorldCup Qualifying
⏰ 7.45pm
🏟️ Hampden Park
📺 Live on @BBCScotland & @BBCiPlayer
🎟️ https://t.co/BRhAhPtmc4#SCOGRE pic.twitter.com/agcfKy1w9w— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 9, 2025
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of David Potter’s outstanding final book Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed copy!
Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS you’ll also receive a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last.
Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Also postage will only be charged on ONE book, not per item so if you are in Britain or the six counties you will pay £24.50 for both books – one side by Danny McGrain and that includes the postage costs for speedy delivery. As always the books are hardback and are of the highest quality.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO ORDER…
