David Martindale thanks Steve Clarke and players after Scotland reach World Cup

Livingston boss David Martindale 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.

The 51-year-old was 23 when he travelled to France with his friends to watch Craig Brown’s team face Brazil, Norway and Morocco.

The Lions manager is delighted that the 28-year wait for a return to the global showpiece is over after the Scots topped their qualifying section with a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark on Tuesday.

“It was unbelievable,” said Martindale. “Steve Clarke, all his staff and all his players should take massive, massive credit.

“That’s three tournaments Steve’s taken us to and a first World Cup. I think I speak for everybody in thanking the Scottish players, the Scottish staff.

“I think the Scottish FA has got to take a lot of credit as well. It’s easy to forget about them but Ian Maxwell was the guy that appointed Steve Clarke.

“I think the full Scottish set-up, every one of them should take massive, massive credit. They’re going to create memories for Scottish football fans that will last a lifetime.

“I was at the last one, France 98, and I can still remember that very, very vividly, the people I travelled with, the people I socialised with, the games. It was an unbelievable experience.”

Martindale, who also went to Brazil 2014 when Scotland were not there, admits it will be more logistically difficult to attend a tournament being staged in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

“I don’t know,” he said. “We’ll really need to see where we’re going to be, and what the fixture list looks like and if we can get to two or three games in the one city.

“I think it’s going to be problematic logistically, as a football fan, and it’s going to cost a lot of money, I’d imagine.

“Depending where they end up, I’d like to try and make the effort.”