Scott McTominay is hopeful that Steve Clarke will extend his stay and agree to a new deal with Scotland beyond this summer's World Cup. 

Clarke, who replaced Alex McLeish back in 2019, has reiterated his desire to get his future sorted ahead of FIFA's flagship tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

The 62-year-old has overseen 76 matches for Scotland, winning 33 (D16 L27), averaging a win percentage of 43.4%, though his greatest achievement came earlier this year. 

Scotland qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, finishing top of Group C and ahead of Denmark, with focus now shifting to the tournament, which starts in June. 

Clarke's side will begin their campaign against Haiti on June 13, before a clash with Morocco six days later and a meeting with five-time champions Brazil in their last group game.

Scotland have never gone beyond the group stages in their previous eight World Cup appearances, but McTominay believes Clarke can be the man to rewrite history.

Asked about reports suggesting Clarke is close to agreeing a new deal until Euro 2028, McTominay told BBC Scotland: "He is first and foremost a great man and, secondly, he's a great coach.

"He's helped us so much off the pitch as much as he has on it, as he gives us that freedom and allows the group camaraderie to be where it is without allowing it to go too far.

"Obviously, we have good professionals in the group, which is key, and our captain, Andy Robertson, and other senior players like John McGinn play a huge role in keeping the whole team together."

Clarke has already taken charge of Scotland across two major international tournaments, both of which saw group-stage exits at the European Championships in 2020 and 2024. 

Two years ago, Scotland finished bottom of Group A with just one point, following up a 5-1 thrashing against Germany with a draw with Switzerland, and a last-gasp defeat to Hungary saw them dumped out of the competition. 

McTominay was a part of that team and scored Scotland's only goal in Euro 2024, and he was determined to make amends on the international stage this time around. 

"Looking back, it doesn't sit well with me," the 29-year-old Napoli midfielder said.

"I still have that bit between my teeth where you want to try to change it this time round, and I'm sure everyone in that group has the same feeling as well.

"It's hugely important we approach it one game at a time and not look too far ahead."

McTominay has just completed his second full season with Serie A giants Napoli, helping the club finish second to Inter with 14 goals and three assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. 

Since moving to Naples two years ago, only four players have scored more top-flight goals than McTominay's 22, with the midfielder also awarded the division's Most Valuable Player award for his performances in their Scudetto-winning season. 

However, he said: "The pinnacle of football is playing at a World Cup and the Champions League.

"That's where every young boy dreams of playing football, and that's where I want to play football.

"For me, it is about not getting too carried away and doing all the things that allowed you to compete at this level, which is relentless work in the gym and training to the best of your abilities in every training session."