A YEAR later than planned, the Euro 2020 championships are now under way – and the clock is ticking ahead of the first appearance for the Scotland men’s team at a major tournament finals for 23 years.

With Scotland making their final preparations to take on the Czech Republic at Hampden on Monday afternoon in the first of their Group D fixtures, here we take a look at some of the Clydebank links to the Scots’ appearances at major tournament finals past and present…

John McGinn

The footballing hero of Clydebank. The Aston Villa midfielder was born in the area and learned his trade through playing football here.

The 26-year-old, who now has 32 Scotland caps to his name, made his debut in 2016 when Scotland took on Denmark in a friendly and where he was awarded man of the match.

Since 2019, John has been a regular starter for Scotland, scoring a hat trick in one half against San Marino in October 2019. The young midfielder has gone onto captain his country in multiple games, becoming only the third Bankie to lead the national side.

McGinn is one of three footballing legends in the area, with brothers Stephen and Paul currently playing for Kilmarnock and Hibs. Their grandfather, Jack McGinn, is a former Celtic chairman and Scottish Football Association president.

Asa Hartford

The former Manchester City and Everton midfielder was born in Clydebank but played all of his club football in England, apart from a brief spell in the United States where he played for Fort Lauderdale Sun.

Beginning his career at lowly Drumchapel Amateurs, Hartford entered the Scottish Football Association hall of fame after winning 50 caps for his national side. He made his full international debut for Scotland on April 26, 1972 in a friendly match with Peru.

Clydebank Post: Asa began his career at Drumchapel AmateursAsa began his career at Drumchapel Amateurs

He became a regular in the international side in 1977, as Scotland defeated Czechoslovakia and Wales to qualify for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

Hartford's international career came to an end after the 1982 World Cup, where he recorded his 50th and final cap for Scotland in a game against Brazil.

Asa did not appear in any other matches at the 1982 World Cup, as Scotland were again eliminated after the group stage.

Davie Cooper

Though not born in Clydebank, Cooper is one of the most significant players to ever play for the local club.

Born in Hamilton in 1956, Davie signed for Clydebank in 1974 where he began his professional footballing career, and became the club's top scorer in only his second season as a Bankie. 

From there, Cooper signed for Rangers where he went on to become a legend at the Glasgow club, winning numerous trophies. When asked to describe the highlight of his time at Rangers, he simply responded: "I played for the team I loved."

Clydebank Post: Davie Cooper, second from left, is a Clydebank FC legendDavie Cooper, second from left, is a Clydebank FC legend

His international career began in 1979 a 1–1 draw with Peru at Hampden Park. He represented Scotland at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, making two appearances for the national team at the tournament.

Tragically, Davie Cooper died of a brain haemorrhage at the age of 39. The winger was conducted into Clydebank FC's hall of fame in 2008. 

In 1999, four years after Cooper's death, a statue of the player was erected in his honour at the Hamilton Palace Sports and Recreation Grounds.

Stewart Hillis

Clydebank-born William Stewart Hillis OBE was doctor for the Scotland national football team for 228 full international matches, part of his involvement with football that spanned more than 40 year during his medical career.

Stewart was the son of a foreman at John Brown's shipyard and was educated at Linnvale Primary and then Clydebank High School.

In 1970, Hillis became the team doctor for Clydebank FC and remained in this position for 27 years. In 1985, he became the Scotland national team doctor, and followed them into World Cup and Euro tournaments for the next 13 years.

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