Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall hopes to finally take part in the World Cup
Thursday 1 September 2016 08:34, UK
Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall has conceded he felt envious watching Euro 2016 with so many familiar faces taking part in the competition.
Gordon Strachan's side failed to qualify for the expanded tournament in France and the 31-year-old stopper admitted it was difficult it was to follow the various fortunes of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers
Ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts in Malta on Sunday, Marshall, reportedly set to for a transfer from Cardiff to Hull City, told Sky Sports: "It was difficult to watch the home nations - because everyone was there it was hard to watch at times.
"Obviously I watched most of the games, there was that feeling of 'what if?' A bit of jealously as well that you are not there.
"Hopefully it can be used to spur us on in this campaign."
Scotland have not been to the finals of a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France but this qualifying campaign promises to be as tough as any other over the past two decades.
The Scots will also have to face England, Slovakia, Slovenia and Lithuania, with the former, under new boss Sam Allardyce, favourites to win the group.
Despite a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign which saw them knocked out by Iceland in the last 16, Marshall felt England suffered after losing a late equaliser in their opening game against Russia.
"A lot of the teams in this qualifying campaign have been to the Euros," the former Celtic keeper said.
"There can be some sort of hangover with some teams sometimes, so we hope to take advantage of that.
"But you are desperate to get there before your career comes to a close.
"I watched their opening game against Russia and they were excellent.
"It just shows you that one bad performance and they have ended up out of the tournament after that obviously disappointing game against Iceland.
"They will be looking now, with a new manager, to get that reaction so we know how difficult it is going to be."
