Hibs manager Jack Ross says the Scottish national team’s progression to Euro 2020 is a brilliant thing for the national game.
Steve Clarke’s side beat Serbia in a nerve-wracking 5-4 penalty shootout on Thursday, following a 1-1 draw with Serbia over 120 minutes in Belgrade. It’s Scotland’s first major tournament since World Cup 1998.
Ross is old enough to remember some of the glory days of regular qualification but recognises how important it is for Scotland to return to major tournament football. He believes it gives Scottish football a shot of excitement.
“Like everybody else I enjoyed the outcome,” said Ross. “I also enjoyed seeing the national team give that type of performance for 90 minutes, they were excellent. I’m delighted for Steve Clarke and his staff.
“I think our players, even the ones who aren’t from Scotland, recognise the significance of football within our country and are also aware of the length of time it’s been since we qualified for a major tournament.
“It was exciting for those who watched it, particularly those who have been involved in the squad recently, because there’s that added excitement of knowing what lies ahead next summer.
“Our domestic game has did tremendously well to stay as strong as it has despite the lack of presence at a major tournament for so long. I grew up at a time when we qualified for tournaments regular.
“You need a successful national team to promote your game well globally. The players and manager are worthy of being on that stage. It’s a major boost for our game as a whole.”
Hibs have their own match to contend with this weekend, facing Dundee on Sunday in the final League Cup group stage match. Ross’ side have won all their games so far and wants to make it four wins from four, taking a last 16 place in the process.
“They have individual players with proven quality at a high level,” said Ross of Dundee. “Some of them I am familiar with, some I know through their reputation.
“The League Cup games to date have been challenging for us due to where they have fallen in the international break with players missing. We continue to navigate our way through the group and we have did that so far.
“This is the hardest game on paper in terms of the level of opposition. We expect a difficult match but it’s one that will afford us the chance to win the group.”