Why England will privately regret missing out on Scott McTominay - 'he wasn't saying anything about them'

When Jose Mourinho first alerted Alex McLeish to the possibility of securing Scott McTominay's international allegiance, little could he have imagined the midfielder would become one of Scotland's most influential players.

The former Manchester United manager wanted to know if McLeish was aware McTominay was eligible to represent Scotland. That conversation proved the starting point of an international career that has become hugely beneficial to the national team.

McTominay's return to the Scotland squad earlier this week, following heart surgery, for the final Nations League double-header against North Macedonia and Switzerland represents a major boost for new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, who will welcome the availability of such a talismanic figure early in his tenure.

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay celebrates scoring his team's first goal against FC Porto in the Champions League | AFP via Getty Images

For McLeish, however, the Napoli midfielder's inclusion rekindles memories of the international tug-of-war that could so easily have ended in England's favour.

The Three Lions were also interested in 2018, but Scotland were determined not to miss out on a promising young talent at Old Trafford. McLeish recalls travelling south during the ‘Beast from the East’ to watch McTominay first-hand, where his physical presence and technical ability immediately caught his attention.

However, it was McTominay’s emphatic response when offered the chance to pull on the dark blue jersey that ultimately settled the matter.

“Everyone will read this and be saying ‘there he goes again!’ But it was amazing to get him,” McLeish admitted. “Word was in the air about Scott and Jose phoned me and said ‘you know this boy can play for Scotland?’ And I said, ‘I do now!’ I then organised to go down to see him. He was still just a kid, quite raw. But he had the physique, speed and skill on the ball. He was good in the air and also with the ball at his feet that made it a no-brainer.

“The only problem we faced was that England were in the frame as well. But when I said to Scott, ‘I'd love you to play for Scotland,’ he said ‘That's the only nation I want to play for.’ And all of a sudden we had a brand new young superstar.”

The value of that decision has become increasingly apparent. McTominay has developed into a commanding international presence, combining physical strength, technical ability and a natural eye for goal from midfield.

Initially deployed in defensive positions, including centre-back, he has since made his mark further up the pitch, with his ability to drive through midfield and time his runs into the penalty area becoming a major asset.

“It's incredible how he's grown and grown,” McLeish said. “In the first few games he was just trying to feel his way into the international scene. But Scott gave everything from that first call-up. He's played in just about every position in the team down the years. He was in the back four at one stage. But he's mainly operated in the middle of the field and he's a real threat in the box and moving from middle to front.

“The way he runs with the ball is just superb because he really knows what he's doing. He's got massive confidence and I hope that a lot of young Scottish players coming into the game can take inspiration from what Scott has done.”

There is also the question of whether England have been left to rue a missed opportunity. Having come through Manchester United's academy, McTominay was a player England could realistically have pursued. However, Scotland's willingness to offer him a clear international pathway was ultimately rewarded.

McLeish suspects the decision will not have gone unnoticed south of the border. stating: “They have such a massive pot to pick from in England. But I'm sure that privately, in some of their chats behind the scenes, they will have said ‘we should have got McTominay.’ But he chose Scotland. He wanted to come. He wasn't saying anything about England at all. And that was the best news I could have got in that era of rebuild.”

Scott McTominay takes part in a Scotland National Team training session at Lesser Hampden on his return to the squad following heart surgery | SNS Group

McTominay's return provides a timely boost for Pocognoli as he looks to put his own stamp on the national team. Having an established performer of his calibre available will be a significant advantage for the new head coach.

McLeish knows the difficulties of international management when key players are unavailable. During his own spell in charge, he recalls travelling to Kazakhstan with several important members of his squad missing.

“It'll be a massive relief for the manager to get Scott back into the squad. You always want your best players available. I remember back in my day, going out there and we were held in a bit of limbo. So for Pocognoli to get players into his team of that level will be massive for him. It could make a huge difference for Scotland.”