FOOTIE-daft celebrities have joined buzzing fans in a Hampden roar rallying cry – urging Steve Clarke’s men to end our 28-year hoodoo and seize a spot at next summer’s World Cup.
Victory against Denmark tomorrow in Glasgow would secure a dream ticket to USA, Canada and Mexico 2026 – with tens of thousands of Tartan Army foot soldiers desperate to cross the Atlantic.
A win against the bacon-loving Danes would get us a seat at footie’s top table for the first time since France 1998 – when Craig Brown’s men famously opened the tourney against Brazil.
And as a wave of optimism sweeps the nation, famous faces threw their support behind Stevie’s Wonders – including Scottish Sun mascot, Sunny.
He passed on best wishes to defender Anthony Ralston outside the national side’s hotel base in Glasgow earlier today as the squad relaxed ahead of the mega match.
Gladiators star Sabre, real name Sheli McCoy, 37 – fresh from her Baftas audience award win – added: “We’re backing you the whole way. Let’s go Scotland. No Scotland, no party.”
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Footie legend Archie Macpherson called on the 50,000 strong Tartan Army to sound twice as loud at Hampden tomorrow night.
The veteran broadcaster provided the telly commentary when Scotland beat Czechoslovakia 2-1 in 1973 at the national stadium to secure a place at the finals in West Germany – marking our first World Cup appearance in 16 years.
Archie, 91, said: “In 1973, when I did one of my first commentaries, it was a big decider when we had to beat Czechoslovakia to get to the World Cup Finals for the first time in 16 years.
“Now what helped the Scottish team that night was Hampden Park. There were 100,000 there.
“So this is a big test for the Tartan Army. There’s only 50,000 this time but I want them to sound double that.
“Because back in 1973 the fans really lifted the team. Of course we had good players as well like Kenny Dalglish and Joe Jordan.
“But I think it’s more important this time because the Scottish supporters know we’ve got deficiencies in this team.
“So I want them to sound like there’s 100,000 in Hampden to help the team.”
Fellow sports presenter Dougie Donnelly also wanted Scotland to end his World Cup misery.
Dougie, 72, said: “Go out and get it done lads-I’m fed up talking about being with the last Scotland team to make it to a World Cup 27 years ago!”
And Two Doors Down favourite Grado, 37 – preparing for panto season – said: “I think we’re going to batter Denmark 1-0.
“My favourite memory of the Scotland team is the World Cup in 1998, kicking off against Brazil.
“The buzz was phenomenal for Euro 2024 as well. I loved going out with the weans and my missus and my mates and going to places that had big screens up to watch the games.
“My message to the team from Jock and the Beanstalk is that we need the players to be full of beans and pump the Danes.”
Best pal actor Stephen Purdon, 42, said: “I’m going for a very nervy 2-1 victory for Scotland, with a Scott McTominay last-minute winner.
“One of my earliest Scotland memories was Ally McCoist scoring against Switzerland at Euro ’96. It was an absolute peach of a goal.”
Still Game legend Sanjeev Kohli, 53, said: “Cards on the table. I love Denmark, I love Copenhagen and I love Danish pastries. But come on Scotland, get into these scum.”
GBX DJ George Bowie, 57, said: “It’s amazing. We’re only one game away from the World Cup.
“I was lucky enough to broadcast live from France to the breakfast show for the World Cup in 1998 when we were there. Hopefully we’ll be going to America, Mexico and Canada next year and can do some live shows.
“In the meantime, we need to take care of Denmark. I reckon we win 2-1.
“My favourite memory with Scotland was probably the last time with the Euros when we hadn’t been for years and we were lucky enough to have a big hit with Yes, Sir I Can Boogie.
“We’re going to rework Bits and Pieces if we get to the World Cup too. Come on Scotland.”
Singer Calum Bowie, 24, said: “Come on Scotland, good luck in your game against Denmark. I know you have got it in the bag, smash it.”
And former Miss Scotland Jennifer Reoch, 36 – now a TV presenter – said: “My first World Cup memory was in 1998 when Scotland met Brazil in the opening match. Now I was at primary school so that was a long, long time ago.
“I remember one of the teachers, Mrs McQueen, had the Scotland flag face painted on her face. It was such an amazing atmosphere.
“I remember how exciting it was, so we’ve got to recreate that. We’ve got to make it happen.
“Scotland, we’re all behind you. The shirt is on, the scarf is out. Come on Scotland.”
Tonight, politicians put aside their differences to unite in support of Steve Clarke’s bid for glory.
Achieving qualification would make the manager the nation’s most successful ever – adding a World Cup tourney to Euro 2020 and 2024.
First Minister John Swinney, 61, said: “I want to wish Steve Clarke and the Scotland team every success against Denmark on Tuesday. This is an absolutely critical game and I wish the team well so that we can get into the World Cup where we belong to be.
“When I think back to great World Cup moments for Scotland, I think of Archie Gemmell’s goal against the Netherlands in Argentina. It was utterly unforgettable.
“So good luck to the team on Tuesday night. I’ll be there to cheer you all on and let’s hope for a win for Scotland and a place in the World Cup where we belong.”
Tartan Army footsoldier and SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, 37, said: “It is in our hands if we beat the Danes at home at Hampden in front of the Tartan Army.
“We’ll be off to the World Cup once again whether that’s in America, Canada or Mexico. Who cares where the games are? We just want to be there and it’ll be the first time that Scotland will have qualified for a World Cup since 1998.
“I can even remember Scotland playing, sitting beside my dad on the sofa after running home from school to see John Collins smash home a penalty against that famous Brazil side with Ronaldo and Rivaldo and that iconic yellow strip.
“That could be us again in one of those three nation. I’m nervous. Unfortunately, I’ll not be up at Hampden for this time but let’s do it for the nation and do it for Scotland.
“Let’s get to the World Cup. Come on the boys.”
Scottish Tory boss Russell Findlay, 52, said: “When we qualified for France 98 a friend of mine couldn’t get the time off work and he said not to worry because he would just go to the next World Cup.
“Except of course Scotland didn’t get to the next six World Cups after France. Now for me, getting to France for three weeks was a truly unforgettable Experience. Okay, we got humped 3-0 by Morocco and we got sent home early.
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“But we still have the best fans in the world and that’s why it’s so important we qualify for the next World Cup and that’s what we can do at Hampden. So let’s bring home the bacon – come on Scotland.”
And Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar, 42, said: “Good luck Steve Clarke and co – let’s make it happen.”
