Scotland’s stunning win over Denmark to secure a home Word Cup play-off had the nation on its feet.
Steve Clarke’s side put in a solid defensive display as well as proving a constant threat to the Euro 2020 semi-finalists.
But it may not have happened at all, if not for Dundee United.
The Tannadice side can be credited for nurturing two of the key players in the Hampden tie.
Both John Souttar and Stuart Armstrong came through the youth ranks at United and were instrumental in Scotland’s win.
Stuart Armstrong tees up Ché Adams to wrap up the victory for @ScotlandNT in the 86th minute 🅰️
Just moments later, @JohnSouttar is awarded MOTM for his outstanding performance against Denmark🏅
A successful night for 🏴, courtesy of #OurAcademy 🤩pic.twitter.com/oJzAqAgriW
— OUR ACADEMY (@DUFCAcademy) November 16, 2021
As well heading in the opener, the now-Hearts defender Souttar was awarded Man of the Match following an incredible return to the national side, which would have seemed so unlikely a year, or so, ago.
English Premier League star Armstrong made a cameo role, coming on with just 10 minutes to go – and what an impact he made.
The 29-year-old caused the Danes all sorts of problems before a beautifully-weighted through ball for Che Adams to end the contest at 2-0.
In a nod to their graduates, the official Dundee United academy Twitter account posted: “A successful night for [Scotland], courtesy of #OurAcademy.”
Another of the successful United graduates, Ryan Gauld, also paid tribute to his former roommate John Souttar on Twitter.
What a man. 😍🙌 https://t.co/5HUHi7cpjL
— Ryan Gauld (@RyanGauld) November 15, 2021
The Vancouver Whitecaps ace tweeted: “What a man.” in reaction to the defender’s man of the match award.
Andrew Robertson
Dundee United’s other influence on last night’s result also came in the form of skipper Andrew Robertson.
While he didn’t come through the youth ranks, the Terrors were instrumental in his development, thrusting him into the spotlight as a teenager before his rapid rise to the top of the world footballing stage.
So happy for this man! What he’s been through and to come back in and put in a performance like that tells you everything you need to know about him 💙 the celebration is back 👀💙 @JohnSouttar pic.twitter.com/jQcD98TTKx
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) November 15, 2021
The Liverpool full-back was also full of praise for Souttar on social media, tweeting: “So happy for this man! What he’s been through and to come back in and put in a performance like that tells you everything you need to know about him.”
He added: “The celebration is back…”
How it started……….How it's going @andrewrobertso5 @JohnSouttar @dundeeunitedfc @ScotlandNT 🏴🧡🖤 pic.twitter.com/LpKQoxgkMv
— ArabTRUST (@arabtrust1909) November 15, 2021
United fans were quick to pick up on the celebration, originating from their time in tangerine and shared images showing the pair, with Ryan Gauld, doing their celebration during the 2013/14 season.
