What makes a Scotland cult hero? Crucial goals, a cheeky personally, key moments, being eccentric, hardworking, or enigmatic? In truth, perhaps it’s a little bit of it all.
For much of the last 25 years, the national team have had it tough. From 1999 until 2021, there were no major tournaments. Flickering moments of brilliance, perhaps, but all leading to ultimate disappointment.
While things have improved immeasurably on that front, those who came before the current crop of serial tournament qualifiers have not been forgotten. But who are Scotland’s biggest cult heroes from the last quarter of a century?
Here, we look at the Scotland national team’s biggest cult heroes of the last 25 years. Have we missed anyone out, or do you agree with our choices?
9. Scott McTominay
Similar to McGinn, the Napoli midfielder is more than just a cult hero, but a cult hero all the same. The pumping heart of the national team, 'McSauce', as he's affectionately known, has transitioned from a utility player under Steve Clarke into one of the best attacking midfielders in world football. He's constantly serenaded whenever he steps on the pitch for the national team, and has a giant mural just outside of Hampden celebrating his incredible goal against Denmark in November. | SNS Group
10. Shaun Maloney
A technically brilliant player who had the ability to produce magic moments in a largely dull era for the Scotland national team, Maloney's Euro 2016 qualification campaign was up there with the best of the modern era, with the former Wigan Athletic winger scoring five goals in 10 games. Famously scored the winning goal against the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park in 2014. | SNS Group