Ronnie Esplin

Ronnie Esplin, Press Association, Charlotte John McGinn says the World Cup is “getting real” as Scotland close in on their opening match against Haiti in Foxborough on Saturday.

“It's amazing that they've got people to look up to from their own country, who are on the world's biggest stage again, and that's to be celebrated, definitely.

Hickey is hoping to use some local knowledge to keep Thiago at bay when Scotland meet Brazil in their final World Cup Group C fixture in Miami.

The Brentford full-back was distressed to miss out on the tournament in Germany two years ago after failing to recover from a serious hamstring injury but used that set-back as a positive.

The former Aberdeen midfielder’s memorable strike from the halfway line sealed Scotland’s 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden last November to qualify for the tournament in North America.

Scott McTominay trained with the rest of the Scotland squad on Friday Thank you for registering

Scotland star back in training on eve of crucial World Cup opener

Scott McTominay trained with the rest of the Scotland squad on Friday

Positive Scott McTominay Scotland update ahead of Haiti clash

Ronnie Esplin, Press Association, Foxborough Steve Clarke revealed that one salutory lesson he has learned ahead of Scotland's opening World