Scotland players arrive back home after World Cup exit

Scotland players have landed back home after being eliminated from the World Cup.

The national side exited their first World Cup since 1998 at the group stage after one win and two defeats, finishing third in Group C on three points.

A minus-three goal difference after a bruising defeat to Brazil meant Scotland slid down the rankings and were officially eliminated by other results on Saturday evening.

Following that, manager Steve Clarke announced his resignation from the post after seven years in charge.

Anthony Ralston arrives back in Scotland SNS Group

SFA Chief Executive Officer Ian Maxwell lands in Glasgow SNS Group

That came despite signing a new four-year deal before the tournament.

Clarke said in an interview released on Monday: “It just feels like the right time to step away.

“Signing the contract before the tournament was a case of trying to give a little bit of comfort to the players.

“I always had in my head that if we didn’t come out the group, something we’ve tried to do across three tournaments, then it was probably the right time to step away.

“If we managed to get that extra point and got out of the group, I would’ve probably stayed on and tried to do another tournament.”

On Monday, stars such as Anthony Ralston, Scott McKenna and Nathan Patterson were among those who arrived at Glasgow Airport.

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Jack Hendry and Findlay Curtis were also on the plane from the US, along with SFA chief executive Iain Maxwell and Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith.

It is expected that other players will return separately.