New Scottish FA Performance Director Brian McClair wants Scotland’s stars of the future to play with a smile on their face and to never give up their dream of representing the national side.
The former Manchester United, Celtic and Scotland player will officially begin his duties in June and is looking forward to getting started at Hampden.
Speaking to the Scottish FA, Brian said: “It feels wonderful. I’m thoroughly looking forward to the new role and I’ll have plenty to occupy myself with. I can’t wait to get started.
“The big thing that influenced my decision was that when people were asking ‘Do you think you can make a difference?’ I said ‘yes’.
“I’m confident I will be able to make a difference to the role and the tasks involved within that position.”
Brian will oversee all National Youth Team programmes and has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Performance Strategy, a key pillar of Scotland United: A 2020 Vision.
As someone who played 30 times for Scotland himself and remembers what it was like to dream of pulling on the dark blue, he believes it’s vitally important that young players never lose sight of their goals.
Brian said: “The most important thing is to dream about it. I remember vividly walking to school and dreaming of becoming a football player. Real-life has well surpassed my dreams and this opportunity that’s coming up is another part of everything I’ve dreamt about.
“Don’t let anybody steal your dreams I think that’s the most important thing.”
“I’m the type of person who has always been positive about things. I want to keep encouraging kids to participate in football, enjoy football with a smile on their face and have fun.
“I’ll be looking right through everyone who is involved with me to have trust, loyalty, respect and most importantly we’ve got to have fun.”