Scott McToimnay has revealed former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson played an active role in deciding his international future by pushing him to represent his ancestral nation of Scotland.
The Lancaster-born midfielder was wanted by England manager Gareth Southgate, but was also eligible to play for the Lion Rampant through his father and made his debut in a 1-0 friendly defeat by Costa Rica in March.
FIFA rules state that McToimnay could still switch allegiances to England until he plays a competitive tie, but says he has firmly made up his mind with the help for his father, Ferguson and current United manager Jose Mourinho.
'When I was in the development centres I was in and around The Cliff (United's training ground),' McTominay told The Sunday Herald: 'Alex [Ferguson] was there and he spoke to my dad.
'After the memorial service for the Munich Disaster earlier this year he pulled me aside and told me: "Make sure you do play for Scotland!"'
As Alex McCleish fought to get him in the Scotland set-up, Southgate got in touch to tell him there was a chance he could make England's World Cup squad. Instead, he will make the 6,000-mile round trip to South America for friendlies against Peru and Mexico.
But he still needed a little extra advice and turned to his current club manager, Mourinho, before finally making his decision and committing to Scotland's cause.
Speaking of Mourinho, McTominay added: 'I also spoke to my manager at Manchester United (Mourinho). He told me to go and do whatever I needed to do.
'His advice was to weigh up both sides and then go with whatever is in your heart. I had already made the decision so it was reasonably simple. I took my decision and then we took things from there.
'It stands you in real good stead. With Jose and Sir Alex it is the confidence they can give you. Their belief gives you a bit more confidence going into matches.'
kunsub
1
"STAR" 😂
elcano
2
good decision
Cuwdinpy
1
you should represent the place you born to... thats my opinion..
United Kingdom4694971
2
I think man Utd will be champions
ChloeSam18
4
To me is a wise choice he go for Scotland. He will not get a playing time if he play for England. England have so many stars and he is just a promising talent that just grow up & shine this season. Better go to where he deserved more chances to play. SAF & Jose knows why they advise him to go Scotland. Is for his own benefit. You go Scott! Good luck for WC
leadership
1
Born I England, pity he doesn't show some loyalty to his country of birth that has supported him through his youth.
MacBook
0
Simple decision he would never had been picked for England
Toni13
0
England consistently overlook players who should be automatic choices. Just look at Jamie Vardy. When does he start for England? Scotland are building a young team for the future. The England team is predictable, ponderous and incapable of dominating the poorest of opponents. Harry Kane deserves better than to be stuck up front as a lone striker.
bespeak
0
Perhaps he just likes his summer breaks, no competitions to ruin his holidays.
LovePSG
0
Yea that will certainly progress his international career!!!
Weigens
1
If he moved to Scotland he would always be treated as an Englishman, and that ain't pleasant.
kingkinga
0
Dier, Alli, Winks are better than you mate..
zogemsitlhou
0
Im not English but is it me or is sir alex favoring Scottish?? Moyes, mctominay... 🤔🤔
lielorsz
1
its better to always look for first team football than being in a team with a strong name when you are benched.. thanks for the good decision Scott
Arsenalenglandfan123
0
Typical Scotsman
TalhaArshad
3
If Sir Alex has told him then it might be a good decision
jaineelbhatt
2
Oh that's better than...
The-LeoMessi-CULE123
1
That's the best decision....
Elsa98
1