Steve Clarke has revealed he is seriously considering extending his tenure as Scotland manager beyond the upcoming World Cup, following his team's historic qualification for the tournament.
The national team secured their place on football's grandest stage for the first time since 1998 with an epic 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday night. The monumental achievement ends a painful 27-year wait for the Tartan Army and marks another success for a squad that has now qualified for successive major tournaments.
A Night of Unforgettable Drama
In a match filled with breathtaking drama, Scotland twice saw their lead pegged back by the Danes before late heroics secured their passage. The game appeared to be heading for a tense finish until Kieran Tierney's rocket shot in the 93rd minute restored Scottish hopes.
The victory was sealed in spectacular fashion when Kenny McLean's outrageous chip from the halfway line in the 98th minute sent the Hampden crowd into absolute ecstasy. Earlier goals from Scott McTominay and Lawrence Shankland had set the stage for what would become one of the greatest nights in Scottish football history.
The result means Clarke has become the first Scotland manager ever to qualify for three major competitions, building on their successive European Championship appearances. The 62-year-old, appointed in 2019, will now lead his squad to the 2026 World Cup across Canada, USA and Mexico.
The Manager's Future Remains Unclear
Despite his current contract expiring next summer, Clarke insists he hasn't discounted the possibility of remaining in charge. 'I don't know. It is 75-25. I am still thinking,' he revealed when questioned about his future. 'I haven't really thought about it. My only focus is to help this squad get to the World Cup.'
The former Kilmarnock manager acknowledged that discussions with the SFA about a possible extension haven't yet taken place, but he left the door firmly open. 'I wouldn't be in a rush to do it,' he added, while joking about the public clamour for him to stay after previously facing criticism.
When asked about potential return to club management, Clarke suggested he'd need to 'go back in the gym and get myself fit' for the daily demands, but emphasised that 'the door is always open' to all possibilities.
Fulfilling a Lifelong Ambition
For Clarke, qualification represents the fulfilment of a personal dream that eluded him during his playing career. The former St Mirren and Chelsea full-back, who won six caps between 1987 and 1994, was part of the squad that travelled to Italy for a pre-camp in 1990 but missed out on final selection for the World Cup.
'It was always in my mind that I would love to go to a World Cup,' Clarke admitted. 'When we messed up against Ukraine, I was disappointed. I thought: "That was my chance, that was my chance". But I believe in this group of players, so I hung around. Eventually I get there.'
The manager now hopes this achievement will inspire future generations of Scottish players. 'This should stimulate or motivate young players to go out and become Scotland internationals in the future,' he said. 'Hopefully there is a legacy from this group of players to the younger generations.'
Attention now turns to the World Cup draw in Washington DC on December 5, where Scotland will learn their group stage opponents. Clarke confirmed he'll attend the ceremony before quickly turning to preparations for the tournament, including selecting a base camp by the January 6 deadline.
As the Tartan Army begins planning what promises to be the biggest Scottish football exodus since France 1998, their historic manager is taking time to savour a moment that has been 27 years in the making.
