Scotland head coach Steve Clarke reacts to World Cup draw with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke said he is looking forward to “a great group” when his side face Brazil, Morocco and Haiti at next year’s World Cup.

The sides were drawn together at Friday’s lavish ceremony in Washington DC, where the 48 participating sides learned who they will take on in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

Scotland, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, were given familiar opposition, having played both Brazil and Morocco in that tournament in France but will also take on Haiti for the first time.

Clarke said he was happy with the make-up of the group, having had a preference not to face any of the 15 other UEFA qualifiers.

“It’s a good draw,” he told STV. “I didn’t want any European teams, I wanted teams from different continents and we got that.

“Three great teams to play against and something to look forward to next summer.

“You see how the draw was going on and teams were getting pushed down and I thought we were going to end up in that section.

“It’s a great group.

“Brazil is always a good game and it’s nice to get them. But Morocco is also a tough opponent and it’s two teams who, the last time we were at a World Cup, were teams that beat us. So hopefully this time we can do a little bit better against them.”

The head coach said he hoped his players would be equally excited and said that they deserved credit for having ended the long exile from world football’s biggest tournament. As the Tartan Army began making their detailed travel plans, he urged all those who could to get behind the team, to enjoy their time in North America, and to “see what happens”.

Asked if he felt it was a group his side could qualify from, and reach the knockout stage for the first time in history, Clarke said he always had belief.

“I think you look at every group and think you can qualify from it,” he said. “That’s what we try and do every time we get to a major tournament.

“We’ll find out next summer, won’t we?”

The head coach will now get to the task of putting everything in place for his team to have the best chance of success.

“On the back of this draw we will have a rough idea of where we are going to be based, so we need to look at bases,” he said. “I’ll probably stay out here for another six or seven days to look at one or two hotels and training camps and maybe somewhere we can base ourselves for the tournament.

“So there’s quite a bit of work to be done before Christmas. After Christmas we’ll be tidying up friendlies and preparations into next year.

“There’s lots to do and lots to look forward to.”

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti was also thrilled by the draw and told STV he was anticipating a tough task when his star-studded side take on Scotland.

“I just spoke with Steve Clarke and said ‘I’ll see you soon’,” he said.

“It’s a difficult group but we’re excited to play important games in the group phase.

“Scotland did well in qualification so I think it’ll be an entertaining game.

“They’re a solid team, physically strong and really well-organised.”