Steve Clarke praises Scotland players as legends before pivotal World Cup qualifying clash

Steve Clarke describes his Scotland squad as legends already, gearing up for a decisive showdown with Denmark on Tuesday where the winner secures direct entry to the World Cup.

Denmark tops Group C with 11 points, edging out Scotland by just one point following five games, setting the stage for the crucial encounter in Glasgow.

The Danes surprisingly drew 2-2 against Belarus on Saturday while Scotland fell 3-2 to Greece, leaving Clarkes side with a shot at claiming first in the group and earning a World Cup spot for the first time since 1998.

However, a tie would suffice for Denmark, thanks to their better goal difference, to advance straight to the tournament next year in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The runner-up from Group C will enter the play-offs.

We figured that if we could narrow it to the last match at Hampden, that would count as a success since it would mean surpassing our seeding position, Clarke explained to the press on Monday.

We have accomplished that. Starting as a pot-three side, we sit in second now. Our aim is to push ahead and claim the group lead.

Clarke, guiding the 38th-ranked Scotland to the last two European Championships, faced questions on if his players could etch themselves as legends.

Considering our accomplishments in the past six and a half years, many of these players are already what you call legends, ranking highly in our nations achievements, he remarked.

He mentioned that some had cautioned him the role might be a poisoned chalice.

I examined the squad and thought, I spot quality here, a promising group, I am eager to work with them as I believe we can accomplish great things.

We have done so. Now we have the opportunity for another major success alongside them.

Clarke noted that Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour would sit out the Denmark fixture, having also missed the Greece loss due to a groin issue.