Xavi: 'World Cup misses Scotland'

Scotland regularly qualified for big tournaments in Xavi's younger years, but it has failed to make an impact on the international stage in recent years.

Xavi Hernandez in action for Qatari club Al Sadd.

Spain legend Xavi hopes Scotland will secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup as he feels major tournaments without it are not the same.

Scotland regularly qualified for big tournaments in the former Barcelona star's younger years, but it has failed to make an impact on the international stage in recent years. It last qualified for the World Cup in 1998, but Xavi hopes it will be back in Russia.

"I would love to see Scotland make it back to a major tournament in 2018," Xavi told The Sun. "The fans and the players are so passionate about the game. We have missed them at these tournaments and hopefully they are back sooner than later."

"I grew up with Scotland at major tournaments. It is sad for the country that it has been so long since they were there. We played Scotland at Hampden a few years ago but I wasn't playing. I was injured but I remember it was a fantastic game. As a kid I would watch them play and I feel real sympathy for the fans and for the players that they are not there. Everyone loves Scotland."

Scotland sits second in its qualification group with four points from two games, trailing leader England by two points.