HEAT IS ON AND BOSS LOVES IT

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for the agony of a huge missed chance to make the last showpiece in Qatar.

Having last appeared at France 1998, Scotland begin the six-game sprint for the 2026 finals against Denmark and Belarus next month. Clarke feels the scrutiny to end the pain but said: “I think that’s what you live on. You live on pressure in this game.

“If you don't thrive on the pressure then you should probably be better hanging up your boots, or in my case, your whistle and stopwatch.

“It’s something that comes with the territory. I mentioned pressure but at the same time I also mentioned excitement because you're excited for the challenge.