Scott McTominay opens up on needing heart surgery and why World Cup was 'big regret of career'

Scott McTominay has revealed that his below-par World Cup displays with Scotland are one of the biggest regrets of his career.

The Napoli midfielder picked up an illness in the days leading up to the opening match against Haiti which left him feeling under the weather for much of the tournament.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera, the 29-year-old admitted that he struggled during the World Cup as Scotland exited at the group stage after defeats by Morocco and Brazil.

Scott McTominay at full time after Scotland's 3-0 defeat by Brazil at the World Cup. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group / SFA

Asked if he felt unwell during the tournament, McTominay replied: "Yes, and it was much more difficult.

“Two days before the first match, I felt ill and didn't know if I'd play or not.

"It was hard to prepare mentally. Then, the high temperatures made things even more difficult. Looking back, it's a big regret in my career."

McTominay is set to miss Scotland’s upcoming Nations League fixtures as he undergoes corrective surgery for a minor heart issue.

Napoli revealed on Tuesday the former Manchester United midfielder is set for a short absence due to “a mild benign arrhythmia”, which is an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm deemed non-serious and posing no significant risk to overall health.

McTominay will miss his club’s September fixtures, including the Champions League showdown with Arsenal next week, and will then sit out new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli’s first four matches in charge of Scotland, against Slovenia (twice), Switzerland and North Macedonia.

Asked if he was worried ahead of the procedure, McTominay replied: "No, it's a problem I have to deal with. I just found out about the operation. But we'll see each other soon, very soon. Stronger than before.

"I always want to contribute to the team, but there are things that are unpredictable and beyond my control."