SCOTLAND STARES SCORCHES : FOOTBALL WORLD CUP

GLASGOW : SCOTLAND seeks history on World Cup return. They have fallen short of making the knockout stages of the tournament.

Scotland return to the global stage at a first World Cup for 28 years determined not to just make up the numbers as Steve Clark's side aim to finally end generations of group-stage heartbreak.

In 12 previous attempts at major tournaments Scotland have fallen short of making the knockout stages.

However, the new format at the first ever 48-team finals offers hope that hex can be broken despite a difficult draw.

An opener against Caribbean minnows Haiti in Boston is a must win in the eyes of the thousands of fans heading across the Atlantic with the might of African champions Morocco and five-time winners Brazil to come in Group C.

Even defeat in their final two groups might not be fatal for the Scots' chances if they can put Haiti to the sword in style as eight of the 12 third-placed teams progress to the final 32.

For an experienced core that includes Liverpool's Andy Robertson, Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Napoli Scott McTominay, this could be their one and only chance to make an impact on the World Cup.

All three have played a massive role in getting their country to three major tournaments in the past five years after a 23-year absence.

But excitement at qualification for Euro 2020 and 2024 quickly turned to despair as Scotland crashed out of both without winning a single game.

'' We've been to two major tournaments. This will be our third and hopefully the experience of the boys that have been major tournaments before will come to the fore and we'll do something that no Scottish team has ever done before,'' saod Clarke when announcing the squad.

!WOW! thanks AFP.