SIR ALEX FERGUSON has told how he was reduced to tears during Ryan Christie’s emotional interview after Scotland qualified for the European Championships this summer.

Steve Clarke’s side ended a 22-year major tournament wait when they beat Serbia in a play-off back in November.

Celtic forward Christie was on target during the 90 minutes and after the game he broke down in tears while speaking to the Sky Sports cameras.

The footage went viral and despite experiencing the highs and lows from the touchline, even Sir Alex revealed that the emotion got too much for him.

He said: "The tragedy of it all is that the Tartan Army wasn't there. They've been following the team for 100 years. I always remember in Italy in the World Cup the fans being there, and we're missing that, and they miss that.

"When they scored, Serbia, in the last minute I was like 'oh Christ almighty, extra-time, no chance'.

 "But they saw it through, they really did, they dug their heels in, but David Marshall’s save - that was it.

"And he didn't even know if they had qualified or not and everybody is jumping on top of him.

"Then the Ryan Christie interview - I was crying when I saw him crying! It was fantastic.

"You talk about a boost to the country, I mean it was fantastic."

Meanwhile, Harmony Row, the youth team that nurtured a young Sir Alex in his native Govan and was subsequently saved by Scotland’s most successful manager, have received the first of 50 UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Legacy Packs to support grassroots football.

The legendary former Manchester United manager believes the long-awaited return to a major tournament for the Scotland Men’s National Team this summer will inspire a younger generation to love the game as he did on the famous 50 Pitches overlooking the Govan shipyards.

As the countdown to kick off at this summer’s UEFA European Championship hits the 50-day mark, the Scottish FA has teamed up with Glasgow Life to release 50 individual UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Club Legacy Packs which are on offer to enhance the provision of grassroots football activities.

To celebrate the landmark, community football clubs and organisations that hold Scottish FA Quality Mark accreditation are being offered the opportunity to win packs of equipment including balls, bibs and goals, which will play a role in the development of the nation’s future generations of young footballers. 

Sir Alex added: “You can see and feel the impact of Scotland qualifying for the EURO. It’s the boost we all needed after dealing with the pandemic.

“Lockdown has been a difficult time for all of us but for kids especially. It’s fantastic to see my old boys club, Harmony Row, benefit along with other youth clubs and it’s an important part of qualifying from the Scottish FA and the city: to make sure that it has a direct benefit to young people. Harmony Row played a pivotal role in my development from a very young age, not only as a footballer, but as a person.”

Synonymous with youth football in Glasgow since being established over a century ago, Harmony Row has become a symbol for the importance of community football teams.

The club is now set to play a pivotal role in delivering the legacy of the city’s co-hosting of UEFA EURO 2020, by nurturing youngsters who have been inspired by Scotland’s historic qualification.     

Clubs and organisations who wish to compete for a UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Club Legacy Pack can follow the lead of Harmony Row by entering via Glasgow Life’s online portal: https://glasgowlife.sportsuite.co.uk/forms/view/4352

Entries close at 5pm on Sunday 9th May, with the winning selections being made by representatives of the Scottish FA and Glasgow Life.

ENDS