Rangers icon Barry Ferguson predicts Scotland history after World Cup qualification
Rangers players could potentially be part of a historic World Cup run with Scotland next summer.
Barry Ferguson believes the current crop of the Tartan Army have every chance to do something that other Scottish teams have failed to do at the most prestigious football tournament set to take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Grant Hanley replaced John Souttar in the starting lineup against Denmark after a fitness issue, but Steve Clarke’s team went on to win at Hampden Park in what was an enthralling 4-2 victory for the home side.
Scotland have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and the 28 years of agony could potentially turn sweeter soon.
Scotland have never made it out of World Cup group stage
Ferguson hinted at Scotland being able to get past the group stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history.
The Gers icon believes the current squad at Clarke’s disposal are capable of pulling off something special in North America.
While Ferguson had great success at the club level, the 45-cap Scottish midfielder never played in the World Cup.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 19 November, the Scotsman said: “It’s a squad that I think is capable of going over to Canada, Mexico and America for the World Cup and do something Scottish teams have never done. Why not be excited about going to the World Cup next summer and achieving something Scottish teams have never done?”
Ferguson added: “If we keep everyone fit, we’ve got a fully fit squad to go over there next summer, I see no reason why we can’t go further than any Scottish team has in a World Cup before.”
Liam Kelly is another of the Ibrox contingent who were in the recent Scotland team, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll go to the tournament next summer once Angus Gunn returns from injury.
- Read More:
Liam Kelly may look for short-term transfer solution at Rangers
Kelly has struggled for game time at Ibrox this season after Jack Butland’s resurgence as the number one goalkeeper.
In the summer, the Scotland international was being linked with a transfer away from Rangers, but ended up staying.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the 29-year-old push for a loan move in January to get regular minutes away from Ibrox and cement his place in the World Cup squad.
Craig Gordon will surely make the plane to Canada, Mexico and the USA despite his age, while Clarke may still rely on Gunn to be his first choice, leaving Kelly to compete with Scott Bain, who has started regularly for Falkirk this season, for the third goalkeeping spot.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247