Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has opened up on the rapid progress made by midfielder Scott McTominay - and how important he's become throughout his tenure.

McTominay has been an enigma for Scotland since earning his first cap in March 2018, scoring 11 times from 57 appearances.

He's always made himself available for the national team, even starting off in defence before playing a more forward-minded midfield role during Euro 2024 qualification and at the tournament this summer. 

The 27-year-old left boyhood heroes Manchester United to join Napoli in August and has immediately hit the ground running. He's already scored during a win at the San Siro and is consistently one of the top performers in Serie A, with Napoli top of the league table after 12 games. 

He also helped Scotland keep a second successive clean sheet with a 1-0 home win over Croatia on Friday night to help give them a fighting chance of remaining in Section A of the UEFA Nations League should they muster up a favourable result when they visit Poland on Monday evening.

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On McTominay's huge impact in dark blue, Clarke stated: "I think Scott has been one of the key players in the team. Even way back at the start of my time, five years ago, I made him play as a central defender. But he was still one of the main players in the team.

"He's grown with the team. He's a very important player for us. We have a number of very important players. Scott is one of those and we appreciate his talent." 

(Image: PA) Speaking to The Times last week, McTominay discussed his Manchester United exit and the huge decision to move overseas. 

"Obviously it's a big decision, there's no denying that," he admitted.

"It was a huge decision for me and my family and my friends. At times like that in your life you just have to say, 'Do I want to do it? Absolutely,' and go for it. 

"There's no looking back. I've never had any regrets in my life or my career and I continue that way to this day. I want my career to be successful and I'm going to go out of my way to try and push myself to be the best football player and best person that I can possibly be.

"I've got great people around me who help me so much and the stress in my life is very minimal because I've got a really good family, amazing friends and I have a lovely girlfriend who do so much for me. 

"I'm very grateful for them. It's not easy going abroad and having to settle in but it's been quite seamless to be fair in terms of how much the Italian people have helped me settle into my house and whatever. 

'Things I need, like a car or a taxi or anything like that. So, yeah, I'm very grateful to them."