CALLUM DAVIDSON knows all about the heartache of missing out on qualification for a major tournament with Scotland. 

The St Johnstone boss was part of Craig Brown’s national team who agonisingly lost out to England via a play-off in 1999 as they battled for a spot at Euro 2000. 

This disappointment still lives with Davidson to this day, but as Steve Clarke’s side prepare for a one-off shootout against Serbia on Thursday, the 44-year-old is confident the Scots of this era can deliver the goods for a desperate Tartan Army. 

He told Herald and Times Sport: “It’s a really strange one. Back then we had qualified for so many tournaments, including the World Cup in France the year before. I don’t think any of us thought the wait for another one would be so long.  

“Losing to your biggest rivals in a play-off match is the worst thing ever. But for me looking back I still have the memory of playing and winning at Wembley [in the second leg].  

“As a Scotsman that is fantastic, even if there were mixed emotions after the game. Christian Dailly had a chance near the end to equalise but he probably caught it too well and it was a great save by David Seaman.  

“It would have been interesting if it had gone to extra time because I was cramping up after 75 minutes. I don’t know if I’d have lasted much longer.” 

Davidson also had a stint as Scotland assistant manager to Gordon Strachan and was in the dugout for Leigh Griffiths’ memorable free kicks against England in 2017. 

The highs and lows of that crazy summer evening had the nation in pieces and Davidson was no different. 

He continued: “That was a hard one being assistant manager at the time. The two Griffiths free-kicks were spectacular and the crowd noise that day at Hampden will live with me for the rest of my life.  

“Then Kane got that late equaliser. At times that sums-up Scotland but it would be great if we can change all that against Serbia.  

“Hopefully we can put in a performance and get the result needed to give the nation something to get really excited about. I think we are overdue a result in one of these qualifiers.  

“I’d settle for a win on penalties if that’s what it takes. I’d take anything to go through. It is going to be a real tough game. They are a top team and we shouldn’t under-estimate them.” 

He added: “We have given ourselves a real chance. It would be great for Scottish football to make the finals next summer.  

“You look at players coming into the squad from Hibs and Aberdeen. The league is producing some very good young players.  

“Hopefully Steve can get the right balance to the team and get us performing to a high level.”