JOHN SOUTTAR says he never even dreamed he would play for Scotland again after his injury nightmares, as he reflected on scoring a glory goal at Hampden as the Scots saw off Denmark.
Steve Clarke’s men sealed a seeded spot in the World cup play-offs with a fantastic 2-0 win over the group winners, with the outstanding Souttar’s header just rewards for a storming first-half display.
And after the match, the Hearts man – who has snapped his Achilles twice in recent years – said that it would take a while for the whole night to sink in.
“I mean, it’s something you can only dream of when you’re younger, scoring for your country,” Souttar said.
“It was an unbelievable moment for me. Something that probably won’t sink in for a few days.
“It was incredible and it’s hard to put into words how I felt. Amazing.
”I remember a wee bit – I remember heading the ball – but what happened next is just a blur.
“I remember the noise and the amazing feeling. That’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
“Everyone says it’s worth it now, everything I went through. I wouldn’t even have dreamed of this moment.
“When I got injured last time, to think I’d be back here in a year’s time, scoring at Hampden, it wasn’t even a dream. I couldn’t have imagined it.
"I never thought about getting this far and playing for Scotland. I just wanted to get back playing football. That was my only goal.
“So to be here, to score for Scotland at Hampden, that’s unbelievable.
“My first thoughts were for my older brother at home, Aaron, who has been a big help to me.
“He was the first person I thought of when I scored, I knew he was watching at home. So that was for him – and I FaceTimed him after it.
“It was a special moment and I wanted to share it with him, because he’s a top older brother. It was emotional, seeing him so proud of me.
“I have to let tonight sink in before I start thinking ahead. I’m just going to enjoy this.
“It’s a special group.”
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