Scott McTominay sends emotional message to Erik ten Hag as he bags a goal and assist in Scotland 3-0 win vs Cyprus to become joint highest goal scorer in Euro 2024 qualifiers

Scott McTominay sends emotional message to Erik ten Hag as he bags a goal and assist in Scotland 3-0 win vs Cyprus to become joint highest goal scorer in Euro 2024 qualifiers

Scott McTominay continues to play a key role in Scotland’s push to qualify for next year’s European championships set to take place in Germany and fired Erik ten Hag another reminder against Cyprus

Scott McTominay fired Scotland to the brink of qualification for the Euro finals – and showed Erik Ten Hag he can’t be written off at Manchester United.

Steve Clarke’s men clinched their fifth win and maintained their perfect record in Group A and look unassailable in the race for a trip to Germany next summer. The road to the Euro finals moved close even before kick off when Spain beat Georgia.

That coupled with this Scotland win means it could be sealed by next week. A draw in Oslo on Tuesday night between Norway and Georgia would mean Scotland have made it, just as they face England in a friendly in Glasgow. What a celebration that could be at Hampden Park.

Midfielder McTominay has played just seven minutes for Manchester United this season in two late substitute appearances against Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

So it looks like international games will be his big outlet this season, if Ten Hag doesn’t fancy him. He’s the Tartan Harry Maguire.

If he’s not a key man at Old Trafford these days, he certainly is for Steve Clarke. Here he netted his sixth goal in five qualifying games, a remarkable record.

McTominay failed to land a move to West Ham or Newcastle in the summer transfer window, but adds power and a touch of class to Clarke’s midfield.

He peeled off to the back to post as Andy Robertson burst down the left and crossed, allowing John McGinn to flick on and McTominay to bundle home with his head.

The atmosphere in Cyprus was as hot as the 27C temperature, with Saltire flags surrounding the pitch and a holiday vibe and the travelling fans were rewarded.

After 15 minutes Scotland were cruising when Ryan Porteous volleyed home his first international goal to put them two up. Jack Hendry headed down a long ball free kick and the defender smashed home from close range.

And it was three after half an hour, with McTominay adding an assist to his opening goal. He powered down the right after a good exchange with Che Adams and picked out McGinn