Scott McTominay’s overhead kick in Scotland qualifier impressed Japan boss

Scott McTominay’s now-famous World Cup qualifying goal for Scotland against Denmark reached all the way to Japan to impress boss Hajime Moriyasu.

The Napoli midfielder’s sensational overhead kick after three minutes of the final group game at Barclays Hampden last November began a night of drama which ended in a 4-2 win for Steve Clarke’s side and took the Scots to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.

Japan are in Glasgow to play a friendly game against Clarke’s side before moving on to face England next Tuesday and – speaking through an interpreter at the national stadium – Moriyasu highlighted McTominay’s moment of magic, which among other accolades, is represented on a mural close to Hampden.

He said: “Andy Robertson, especially, is a player who plays at the top level and also Scott McTominay.

“I remember his goal in the World Cup qualifier – an overhead kick which was brilliant.

“But it’s not just those two players, Scotland has many players I admire.

“Scotland’s players will fight on a physical level. But most of the players we have selected this time are European.

“They have experienced physicality before so I expect them to make the most of their strengths.

“I don’t want them to be scared to have contact but also, I would like them to make the best out of their speed and technique.

“Having said that, it is Scotland’s home so we expect a really tough and intense game.

“Everyone is united to play against Scotland in order to express their abilities. I’m really, really pleased to see that.

“We are competing against a team of World Cup standard. They are very dynamic in defence and offence as well, they play with a high intensity as well.

“So we are looking forward to playing against a team who is of this level.

“In the game, I want to see where we stand in the whole thing and how much we can express our quality.

“It’s a pleasure to be here, to play against an opponent who has a long history of football.

“I also like to thank the relevant associations for matchmaking such a wonderful game.

“Tomorrow’s game is going to be tough but we’d like to work on our tactics before the World Cup.

“As a team we would like to build up experience.”