Scotland coach John Carver has reflected on a tremendous week north of the border as returns to the North-East with the Tartan Army on a real high.
A Euro 2020 play-off win over Israel, which set up a shoot-out with Serbia in Belgrade for the right to play in next summer's finals, was followed by impressive wins over Slovakia and the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.
Carver has teamed up with ex-Newcastle coach Steve Clarke and is eyeing a place in a major tournament with the Scots for the first time since 1998 at the World Cup in France.
Scotland are now unbeaten in eight matches and on their best run of form in 32 years.
When asked about coaching at a major tournament Carver told Chronicle Live: "I'm now at the stage in my career where it would be something to savour.
"I have been involved in the Premier League, the Champions League, cup finals and cup runs, but I had never been involved with international football.
"The prize is massive for us as a squad, staff and nation - a crack at a major tournament again after 22 years.
"That would be a nice box to tick.
"It's totally different being away at a tournament, fingers crossed, and we will need some luck in Belgrade, but we have the players who can deal with it."
The build-up to the clash in Serbia next month has already started and Carver will spend some of the next few weeks monitoring Newcastle old boy Aleksandar Mitrović.
Carver said: "I've already mentioned before that I know a great deal about Mitro.
"It's back to front for me really as he was poised to sign when I was manager at Newcastle.
"So I know that he needs service and what needs to be stopped.
"We also know he's aggressive and can get wound up so we have to keep an eye on that.
"I have been keeping a close eye on him and will be in the build-up to next month."
