Aaron Hickey is thrilled to be achieving his "dream" of playing at a World Cup for Scotland.

The full-back, who turned 24 on Wednesday, missed out on the Scotland squad for Euro 2024, having failed to recover from a hamstring injury.

However, the Brentford defender is now relishing the chance to represent his country on the biggest stage of all.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Scotland's Group C opener against Haiti, Hickey said: "I think my dream is just being here to be honest, playing at the World Cup, it means everything. 

"I think it's one of the hardest things, being injured as a footballer. I can't tell you how hard it is and obviously missing out on the tournament at the Euros last time was very difficult, but I'm just delighted that it's in the past now and we're here at the World Cup."

Scotland are appearing in their first World Cup since 1998, ending a 28-year hiatus from the finals and topping a World Cup qualifying group for the first time since 1982.

With Scotland having failed to advance from the first round in any of their previous eight appearances at the World Cup, Hickey will be hoping to help Steve Clarke's team make history and finally end their knockout-stage wait.