After Scotland channeled that Braveheart spirit in a performance that William Wallace himself would have been proud off in Thursday’s already-iconic Euro 2020 qualifier, Liam Cooper would have known that his chances of a securing starting place with his country had just become a little slimmer.
But while the Leeds United captain was left out in favour of Declan Gallagher, Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney as the Scots secured their place in a major tournament for the first time this century, he was back in the team last night.
And, though a 1-0 Nations League defeat to Slovakia took a bit of the shine off those Serbian heroics, Cooper can console himself with knowing that he did his international prospects no harm yesterday.
As you might expect for a man who trains every day under Marcelo Bielsa, the Hull-born colossus proved himself to be a more than useful outlet as Scotland looked to build from the back.
His piercing passes into midfield were a major plus-point, giving Steve Clarke’s side the ability to retain possession throughout.
Cooper did little wrong defensively either as the visitors were undone by a deflected Jan Gregus effort from the edge of the box.
The Elland Road skipper might not have played a starring role in the greatest Scottish performance of the modern era. But he can dream, for now, of walking onto the Wembley turf when the two old enemies renew acquaintances at next summer’s European Championships.
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