Naisy: Boss on verge of greatness

STEVEN NAISMITH believes Steve Clarke can cement his status as one of the best Scotland managers of all time by leading the country to the next World Cup.

- BY KEITH JACKSON

The qualification campaign for next summer's tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA kicks off in Copenhagen on Friday night when Clarke's side face Denmark in the Group C opener.

The Scots will then travel to Hungary to take on Belarus on Monday in the second leg of the international double header.

Former Hearts head coach Naismith - who has rejoined the manager's backroom team - believes Scotland can get off to a flying start as Clarke attempts to become the first national boss in history to reach three major finals.