Ryan Jack insists insisted Scotland’s fired-up stars don’t fear their twin shot at glory.
And the midfielder is adamant they’ll meet the
challenges head on as they aim to pull off a magical Euros and World Cup qualification double.
Steve Clarke’s side face Czech Republic on Wednesday night, aiming to extend their lead at the top of Nations League Group B2 to four points.
Jack and his colleagues have a sensational chance to finally end the nation’s major tournament drought in their next match when they face Serbia away for a place at next summer’s rescheduled Euro 2020.
But as well as that huge incentive in Belgrade, the squad are fully aware that topping their Nations League section can also open a potential route into the World Cup in 2022.
And after such a lengthy period of agony for Scotland without an appearance at a finals,
the prospect of grasping two opportunities in a short space of time offers huge excitement.
Jack insists the squad aren’t scared.
The Rangers midfielder said: “As players we think about it, of course we do. It’s why we come away with the team.
“It’s about taking that chance. There’s nothing to fear. Let’s meet it head on and give our best shot. Hopefully that is enough.
“The [Israel] semi-final and the final next month are the two biggest games that we will have in the two meet-ups but we can’t dismiss these types of games.
“If we win this group, then we get promoted to a better group and we’ll be against top-quality opposition and it may give us a chance to reach a World Cup in the future.
“The play-off games are massive but these are too as it gives us a path if we, maybe, come up short.
“In this group, we need to win it. This is a chance for World Cup qualifying. At club level everyone is at different places and has their own standards and stuff.
“But when you come away, then it’s roll up your sleeves and give your all for Scotland.
“This is a chance for us. We’ve got a final. We are one game away from a major tournament.
“Hopefully next month that sinks in, we go there and grab it and make ourselves proud.
“This Nations League is also a great way for us to keep ourselves involved and maybe if we don’t qualify automatically, if we can perform in these groups, it’s a chance for a route in.
“As you have seen before, it can help and hopefully it could give us a second chance to be successful.”
Clarke and his team would become national treasures if they can bring a 22-year qualification gap to an end.
However, Jack says the players don’t get ahead
of themselves about potential achievements or let such emotions cloud their focus as they look to grasp the results and rewards.
And he added: “It would be a great achievement for us all.
“The manager has had the same core since he’s been in and we have that chance to go and do it.
“The thing about being heroes and that side of it, you don’t get too caught up in that.
“Of course, if we qualified and we did it, then it would be some achievement.”
