Scotland players 'feel the love' after Hampden celebrations, says Steve Clarke
The Scotland boss says it was important for the players and supporters to bond after Saturday's win
Last updated 11th Oct 2021
Steve Clarke says it was important for his Scotland players to 'feel the love' after Saturday's dramatic win over Israel.
Hampden was still packed as Scott McTominay scored an injury time winner in their World Cup qualifier.
Players and supporters celebrated the win together after the full time whistle as the national side took a big step towards finishing second in their group.
The Scotland boss says that it was special occasion after not being able to savour their Euro 2020 play-off win against Serbia in front of a crowd.
He said: "It was important the other night, not to milk it, that's not the right phrase, but for the public and the players to have that little moment after the game.
"It was a group of players who qualified for that major tournament after 23 years and they did that in an empty stadium and there has never really been the chance to have that interaction between the players and the supporters.
"That was the nice thing at the end of the game that we could do that.
"Obviously we scored a goal after 93 minutes and everybody has that euphoria. But there was still 50,000 in the stadium, they all waited, they believed in the team, they believed we could nick it 3-2 which we did. It was a nice moment.
"It was good for the confidence, good for the belief and good for them to feel loved. Footballers are no different from anyone else, we all like to feel the love.
"We are human beings, everybody likes to feel that little bit of adoration and little bit of love. These players have worked hard to do what they have done for their country, I keep saying they want to do well and you see that.
"It was a good moment but one we have to park now and get ready for the next tough challenge.''