Alan Brazil understands how difficult it is to achieve success as a Manchester United player.
From personal experience, he understands how difficult it can be to secure a spot on the team.
He also claims that if you don't win over the Old Trafford faithful early on, it can be a difficult place to play.
That is why the former Scotland striker holds such high regard for Scott McTominay.
Brazil has been blown away by the 24-year-progress old's for club and country over the last few years.
And, after seeing him excel for United this season, he believes he will be one of Steve Clarke's key men at the Euros.
Brazil, who is 24 years old, spent two years with the Red Devils, competing for a starting spot up front with the likes of Frank Stapleton and Mark Hughes.
Injuries hampered him, but he scored 16 goals for Manchester United before being transferred to Coventry City in 1986.
Brazil is now a talkSPORT presenter and outspoken pundit.
And he has praised McTominay for defying the doubters and establishing himself as a regular under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
He believes no other Scottish player has shown the same level of development as the midfielder, and he is excited to see him thrive for Clarke's team this summer. “For me, McTominay is the most improved Scotland player out there,” Brazil said.
“He now has pitching authority. He's quick on the ball, well-muscled, and has a strong physical presence.
“He doesn't give possession away, and I'm really impressed with how his career is progressing right now.
He has performed admirably for Manchester United and Scotland.
“When he first arrived on the scene, people down here probably thought, 'He's a young Scottish lad, he won't be good enough for United.'
“At first, there were groans about him. And, believe me, I've played there, and if you don't click right away at Old Trafford, they'll be on your back.
“However, this kid has thrived over time. When you're young, that's not an easy place to play football.
“But he's improved by leaps and bounds and is a huge asset for Scotland heading into the Euros. He has a presence now, as evidenced by his performance in the Europa League final against Villarreal.
“He wants the ball, and he's very strong with it. When I look at our midfield for Scotland, I see that we're very good in there.”
McTominay is part of a new generation of Scottish players who are tearing up the Premier League.
“I was the youngest player in the squad when we went to the 1982 World Cup in Spain. And I began with my hero, Dalglish, on my birthday, June 15.
When I was a kid, I idolized Kenny and had to pinch myself. I couldn't believe it.
“However, we have some fantastic young players now, and it's critical that they get a chance to play, just as I did.
Look at Tierney, Robertson, and McGinn, who have all been outstanding for Aston Villa.
“And Gilmour will undoubtedly begin to see regular playing time for Chelsea very soon. I have no doubt about it. Everyone I've spoken to, including Frank Lampard, says the boy is a natural talent who will eventually make the first team.
“In the Euros, we have nothing to lose. After all these years, we are finally there, thank God.
“So let these boys in, let them play.
“I'm not one of these guys who believes that putting kids on the wrong side of town and letting them get battered will hinder their progress.
“No, I don't agree with you. I don't care how old he is if he's good enough.
“Bring them in and let them fall in love with it. Take a look at England's Phil Foden.
“Foden was about to leave, but Pep Guardiola decided he needed to play now. Look at what he's accomplished at Manchester City; he's been fantastic.”
Scotland's first Euros game is against the Czech Republic at Hampden a week tomorrow, followed by a mouth-watering match against England at Wembley four days later.
Brazil, who lives and works in the south, is impatient.
And, despite the fact that Clarke's boys will be huge underdogs, he wants them to show no fear in the face of the Auld Enemy.
Brazil stated, "I hope the English underestimate us, with luck."
“I hear them talking about winning it down here. They have a team capable of doing it, and they have the advantage of playing at home.
“But wouldn't it be fantastic if we went to Wembley with nothing to lose and got wired into them?”
“I'd forget about tactics. I'd say
Just tell the players to go out there and make history.
“This is Wembley; what an opportunity you have to make a name for yourself. Enjoy it, and let's see how good this England team is.
“That's the message I'm sending.“If we roll our sleeves up, we might get a little bit of luck – a worldie goal from McTominay or an overhead kick from McGinn.”
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