SNS GroupAaron Hickey always retained the confidence that he would get to play in the World Cup one day even during the most difficult moments.
But the Scotland defender is finding the reality of qualification harder to believe.
Hickey started in Scotland’s 4-2 win over Denmark, which sealed their place on the biggest stage for the first time in 28 years.
The 23-year-old returned from a serious hamstring injury just ahead of the qualification campaign after 21 months out of first-team action.
And the pain and frustration of that prolonged spell out made Tuesday’s triumph all the more special.
“It means a lot,” the Brentford player said. “I think it just needs time to settle in my head because of the last few years and what I went through.
“Now to get through to the World Cup is a major thing for me. I’m just delighted. I’m just so happy.
“I can’t believe it, to be honest. It’s everything you dream of as a kid, playing in the World Cup, watching the World Cup growing up.
“I believe in manifesting. If you don’t believe in yourself and the squad don’t believe then you won’t do it.
“We’re a great group, and we all believe in each other, and we all stick together. We know what we’re capable of so we managed to prove that.”
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