TARTAN ARMY SHOULDNEVER MISS THE WORLD CUP

American legend Meola can't wait to welcome Scotland's fans to the big party next summer

- BY FRASER WILSON

USA legend Tony Meola reckons Scotland should qualify AUTOMATICALLY for every World Cup because of the Tartan Army.

And now they're back after a 28-year absence, he thinks the footsoldiers heading across the Atlantic next summer can be a major ally in recruiting a whole new generation of “soccer” fans in the States.

Meola is a big believer in the ‘No Scotland, No Party’ chant. He was delighted to see his adopted second nation qualify on that dramatic evening at Hampden three weeks ago.

The 100-times capped goalkeeper, a star of USA 94 and Italia 90, has promised that his country, Canada and Mexico will put on a show into soccer nuts. Speaking to MailSport from his home in Florida, the 56-year-old said: “Oh man, I'm so excited Scotland are going to be here. Good for them.

“I promise, the show North America will put on will be great. If we could pull it off in 1994, think about what we can do now!

“We were talking about it on our CBS show. Some colleagues were talking about how Scotland was one of the teams they wanted to avoid.

“No way! I've said for over 10 years that Scotland should automatically be in the World Cup because of their wonderful fans! Ireland too.

“I'm like: ‘No man, you want to play them, just think about the atmosphere in the stadium. I would love if the USA end up facing Scotland so I can see that atmosphere.