CHARLOTTE FEVER

MLS coach Wilson insists Scots will have experience of a lifetime at World Cup HQ

- SCOTT MCDERMOTT

PITCHES like putting greens. A hotel good enough for Real Madrid.

And the familiar faces of a Scotsman, Englishman and Irishman to welcome them.

What more could Steve Clarke wish for in a World Cup base camp?

It was announced on Tuesday that Scotland have chosen Charlotte, North Carolina as their US abode for this summer's tournament.

MLS side Charlotte FC will host Clarke's squad for the duration, offering Premier League standard facilities.

And no one is more chuffed than Charlotte's Scottish technical director, Tommy Wilson, after the 64-year-old played a crucial role in his former St Mirren teammate Clarke choosing the base.

Charlotte FC is managed by ex-Aston Villa gaffer Dean Smith, a friend of the Scotland boss. And Irish first-team coach Gary Dicker worked under him at Kilmarnock nine years ago.

All of that means it will be like a home from home for Scotland’s players and staff when they arrive in June.

Charlotte's training ground will be where they prepare for Group C games against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in our first World Cup since 1998.

Wilson, who was previously in charge of Scotland's Under19s, cannot wait to greet his countryman this summer.