WHEN the ball falls to Che Adams in the Ukraine penalty box during the Qatar 2022 play-off semi-final at Hampden tomorrow night, Scotland striker Che Adams will not hesitate to pounce.
It is fair to say, though, that the Southampton player took rather a long time to act when he was deciding on his international future.
He turned down an approach from Antigua and Barbuda – where his father originally hails from – before the Caribbean Cup back in 2014.
The forward, who qualifies to play for this country through his Edinburgh-born grandmother, also declined offers from the SFA to represent the under-21 side and the full national team in 2017.
The former England Under-20 player, who will win his 16th cap in the eagerly-anticipated encounter with Ukraine, has not had cause to rue finally choosing to play for Scotland in 2020.
His only regret, in fact, is that he waited so long to commit himself.
“Everyone’s got that dream they want to play international football,” he said. “I got called up for Antigua to play in the Caribbean Cup, but I didn’t really fancy it. There were other tournaments as well with England.
“But I think I made an amazing choice coming in to this set up. It’s been an incredible experience. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms, including the fans. I’ve had so many amazing responses and I’ve just felt part of the family.
“It was difficult at the start with deciding to come, but since I first arrived it’s been amazing. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the team and the manager. I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It’s been amazing from the minute I walked in the door. It’s just been a breath of fresh air. We have a really solid group here with good lads who are all pulling in the right direction.
“That’s what you need and it’s clear to see it with the performances on the pitch. Everyone knows how together we are, how much we run for each other.
“Do I wish I had committed to Scotland sooner? Yes, exactly that. We had the Euros last summer and everything. Now look at where we are.”
Being just 180 minutes away from World Cup qualification is quite an achievement for a player who started out playing for United Counties League club Oadby Town his native Leicestershire.
“I can’t quite believe it,” he said. “It’s amazing really when you sit down and think about it. But it’s hard in football to stop and reflect because football is just fast forward all the time. It’s about taking each game and trying to win.”
Adams has not looked back since he made his Scotland debut in the Qatar 2022 qualifier against Austria in the November of 2020; he has established himself in Steve Clarke’s starting line-up and grown in both confidence and effectiveness.
The 25-year-old is hoping his international career will go from strength to strength this week and a place in the World Cup finals in November can be secured.
Beating Euro 2020 quarter-finalists Ukraine, who will take to the field in a competitive fixture for the first time since the Russian invasion back in February and who will have the entire football world willing them to win, will not be easy.
Yet, the striker believes if Clarke’s men perform as well as they did in their 2-0 victory over Denmark back in November, a match he netted his fourth international goal in, they can triumph and progress to the play-off final against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday.
“It’s going to be right up there with anything,” he said. “All eyes are on getting a good result and the rest will take care of itself. Obviously it’s been a hard year for Ukraine, but we’re here to play a game of football and hopefully win the match.
“I want to pick up where I left off. The gaffer always talks about building momentum and we are in a good place right now. The Denmark game was something special. It’s going to be like that on Wednesday, it will hopefully be a night to remember. Everyone is raring to go.
“That night against Denmark was up there as one of the greatest nights of my career so far. Hopefully it can be another really positive 90 minutes on Wednesday. We just need to keep building.”
Adams, who has been on target 10 times in the 2021/22 campaign to date, is confident Scotland can extend their eight game unbeaten run in the rescheduled play-off semi-final against Ukraine.
“I don’t think the momentum has been lost,” he said. “Everyone has been on the training pitch. It’s been a long season. It’s felt like forever to get to this point. We’re there now and fully focussed on the game.”
Adams has struck up a good partnership with Queens Park Rangers man Lyndon Dykes up front since pledging his allegiances to Scotland and he feels his 6ft 2in team mate has made his transition to international football easier.
“It’s good to play up top on your own and obviously playing with Dykesy makes it a lot easier,” he said. I’ve played the lone striker role plenty of times. It’s different than playing with two but I like it. It makes you a better player.
“It was difficult when I came in as Lyndon was already here and scoring lots of goals. To partner him has been great, we’ve played well together. I think I can definitely improve as a player and we can as a squad as well. These games coming up are massive and it gives everyone this belief Scotland has a great team.”
