Jose Mourinho thinks a Celtic-inspired Scotland can escape their group from Euro 2020, finishing second behind England.
Steve Clarke’s squad, which features 13 players who have at one time been on the books at the Bhoys, play Czech Republic, England and Croatia in Group D of the tournament this month.
Scotland have never qualified from a group at a major tournament.
However, Mourinho reckons his old assistant can make history.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun over the weekend, he said: “I think the group is not an easy one. England, Croatia and the Czechs are not easy. But Scotland are going to fight for points and I believe that they’re going to be able to give England a hard time.
“I know there are other good teams in the group but it can be England first and Scotland second. I wish them the best.
“Steve was my assistant and a guy that gave me everything. I hope that I also gave him something but he gave me everything in terms of the emotion and the positivity he brought to my work at that time.
“Of course, being Scottish he feels it deeply. He is not a foreign manager coming to do a job. He’s a Scottish guy, feeling deeply about the situation and a group of boys living the dream with the national team.”
Celtic players can play a key role for Scotland
The performance of Celtic midfielder David Turnbull against the Netherlands was evidence of the kind of quality our players offer Scotland. He was superb in that friendly and has no doubt played himself into contention for minutes at the tournament.
James Forrest can provide a cutting edge in the forward areas. His five goals in two games for Scotland feel like a long time ago now, but he can still be a penetrative presence from the start or the bench.
Ryan Christie can also be a hero, as evidenced by the goal in Serbia that helped Scotland into the tournament in the first place.
That trio, alongside Callum McGregor and former Celtic players, will make Scotland well worth supporting this summer even if you’re not from these shores.
It’s set to be an exciting month.
In other news, Postecoglou is due to arrive at Celtic later this week.
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