Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay enjoyed a memorable cameo in Scotland’s 3-0 Euro 2024 Qualifying win against Cyprus on Saturday.
McTominay was introduced with just over 20 minutes remaining at Hampden Park and he went on to seal the victory for the Scots, scoring twice in the closing minutes.
Aston Villa’s John McGinn had opened the scoring for the home side, who took a 1-0 goal lead into the break.
Stuart Armstrong then made way for McTominay midway through the second half and the United man went on to steal the show.
With three minutes of normal time remaining, McTominay combined with fellow substitute Lyndon Dykes who nodded the ball into the midfielder’s path for him to expertly control and slam home from 5 yards out.
McTominay then put the cherry on a very sweet cake for himself and Steve Clarke’s side as he slotted home from close to the penalty spot after being teed up by Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson.
The result kicked Scotland’s qualifying campaign off to the perfect start, in a group where they know they’ll have to finish above either Spain or Norway to claim a spot at Euro 2024.
Scotland face Spain at Hampden Park on Tuesday, in what could be a massive night in their quest for qualification.
The goals and performance will give McTominay a welcome shot in the arm, having found himself down in the pecking order at club level.
The Scot has suffered a stop-start season due to injuries and is facing a battle to save his career at Old Trafford.
It’s believed Erik ten Hag is open to the idea of moving McTominay on in the summer, with Newcastle United said to extremely interested in his signature.
However, with Christian Eriksen still out injured and Casemiro missing the next three domestic games through suspension, McTominay will have a part to play in the upcoming fixtures after the international break.
Still alive in the FA Cup and Europa League as well as in a dog fight to finish in the top four of the Premier League, United will need all hands on deck if they are going to enjoy a successful end to their marathon campaign.
Follow The Peoples Person on Twitter or Instagram for all the latest news as it happens and to join in the conversation.