Aaron Hickey Focused On World Cup Dream As Scotland Prepare To Face Haiti

Aaron Hickey is set to realise a long-held dream as Scotland prepare for the World Cup. The Brentford full-back, who turned 24 on Wednesday, is in the squad for the Group C opener against Haiti, with Scotland returning to the finals after a long gap.

Aaron Hickey reflected on the journey that brought this chance and said: "I think my dream is just being here to be honest, playing at the World Cup, it means everything. I think it's one of the hardest things,being injured as a footballer. I can't tell you how hard it is and obviously missing out on the tournament at the Euros last time was very difficult, but I'm just delighted that it's in the past now and we're here at the World Cup."

Scotland are ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup appearance, having last reached the tournament in 1998. Steve Clarke's side also topped a World Cup qualifying group for the first time since 1982, underlining a consistent campaign across that qualifying programme.

Across eight previous World Cup appearances, Scotland have never gone beyond the first round. Hickey now aims to help Steve Clarke's team change that record. The defender, recovered from a hamstring injury that ruled out Euro 2024, is focused on contributing from full-back.

Missing Euro 2024 after failing to recover in time was a major setback for Hickey. The defender spoke about how difficult injury spells can be for footballers and is grateful that episode has passed, as attention turns to the World Cup and Scotland's meeting with Haiti.

Scotland now move into the World Cup with optimism, yet also aware of past disappointments. Hickey's availability after injury, the return to the tournament after 1998, and the chance to reach a first knockout phase give this campaign extra importance for Clarke's squad.