Clarke's previous World Cup campaign ended with a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Ukraine in the play-off semi-finals for Qatar 2022. "Reaching a World Cup finals has been a missing link for him and we're going to prepare as well as we can," added Maxwell, who was full of praise for Clarke's methods.

Scotland have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998; Steve Clarke is the first boss to lead Scotland to three major finals; the 62-year-old is out of contract after next summers tournament;

Steve Clarke was stunned by the quality of Scotland's goals as they sealed their place at next summer's World Cup with a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark.

I didn't have it this morning, and I thought 'wow, that's strange'."By now, Steve Clarke should know to trust his own instinct. For it is his way, his mind, his management that has ended Scotland's 28-year wait for a return to a men's World Cup after the dramatic defeat of Denmark at a hysterical Hampden booked the nation's ticket to North America next summer.

Steve Clarke was stunned by the quality of Scotland's goals as they sealed their place at next summer's World Cup with a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark.

A Danish draw with Belarus last weekend set up a Hampden shootout with the Danes for a chance to reach a first World Cup since 1998. Hearts striker Shankland came off the bench to net one of the four goals in a historic 4-2 triumph with Tynecastle teammate Craig Gordon between the sticks.

Livingston boss David Martindale has thanked Steve Clarke and his players for giving the next generation of Scotland supporters the chance to make a lifetime of memories following the national team to a World Cup like he did in 1998.