If any player ever thinks about pulling out or calling off from Scotland duty they really ought to listen to Luka Modric.
On Friday evening, the Real Madrid superstar sat in a Portakabin of a press room at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb – aged 39, by the way – talking with the same passion for his country as he did when he made his debut at 20. When he was effectively asked how and WHY he’s still going, a wry smile came across his face.
Because let’s be honest, with everything he’s achieved for Madrid and Croatia, from Champions League triumphs to World Cup Finals, he could have stepped aside long before now as his nation’s greatest ever player. You wouldn’t have blamed him for blanking his media duties at this stage in his career, either. But that’s not how Modric operates. This little magician of a midfielder still lives and breathes the game he loves.
And in terms of hunger and desire to represent his country? That’s something EVERY Scottish player could learn from.
The Croats have hit heights we could only dream of with Modric at the heart of it all. Since we last qualified for a World Cup, they’ve been to five.
While we’ve never made it through the group stage of a major tournament, Modric and Co have done it SEVEN times. And yet he’s still going strong. Still as keen and enthusiastic for a clash with Scotland in the Nations League as he’s ever been.
Steve Clarke’s side will be in the company of greatness tonight. But it’s not just Modric’s phenomenal ability that’s to admire.
It’s his appetite for football and commitment to his country that sets him apart. Ahead of facing Clarke’s men, Modric said: “What gives me the desire to keep going? It’s a love of football and a love for Croatia.
“For me, playing for the national team is something special, a great honour. It keeps me motivated and pushes me forward. That’s the main reason I’m still here and want to compete at the highest level.
“For us, it’s an honour to represent the national team. That’s the most important thing in all of our successes.
“Of course, you need to have some quality and you need to adapt to certain things. But we come here every time with a great desire to play for Croatia in the best way possible.
“We want to cheer our people up. That’s why Croatia is always at the top of European and world football, especially in recent years.
“That’s what drives us to the top. You need that will and commitment to play for your country.
“In tournaments, you need a bit of luck. But it’s mostly about passion. It’s so important to each player.
“We want to make the whole of Croatia proud when we play. So it’s passion, desire, and all the similar words like that.”
Modric’s sentiments must inspire team-mates around him. But the last time he played against Scotland, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest, he almost beat us on his own.
At Hampden three years ago, his goal – and incredible midfield performance – put us out of Euro 2020. It was a masterclass that ended Scotland’s dream of progressing.
That brought another smile to the Croatia captain’s face. He said: “That day, that match, was really great for us. I have good memories because it helped us reach the next round of the competition.
“It was a tough game, as always against Scotland. But it’s an excellent memory for us. It was important to us to fight for the next round. Scotland were a tough opponent, that’s always the case against them.
“But I was happy to score, that’s what I remember most from that game. I know Scotland’s results haven’t been the best recently but that doesn’t mean anything.
“This is a new game and they have players at good clubs around the UK. So we’re expecting a very difficult match. But of course, we’re at home in front of our fans.
“We accept the role of favourites and we believe in ourselves. It’s important we play a great match and get three points. We’ve played against Scotland six times and they’re always passionate.
“They’ve have many qualities and when I say I have a special affinity with my country – Scotland reminds me of the Croatian team in some ways.
“You can tell that playing for Scotland is of huge importance to their players. You can see their patriotism, which is similar to Croatia.”
Not even Modric can go on forever, though. But thankfully for the Croatian fans, they have a conveyor belt of fresh talent coming through.
The taxi drivers in Zagreb will tell you 21-year-old Dinamo and Croatia starlet Martin Baturina is the new Modric. Celtic will find out about him when they play here in the Champions League later this season.
Modric tried to play down comparisons to Dinamo’s young number 10. Which is wise, because being tasked with emulating him would be unfair on anyone.
When asked if Baturina could fill his boots, Modric said: “We’ll see. Marta is on his way, he’s a great talent, that’s for sure.
“Now, it’s up to him to train and work hard. I believe one day he’ll be a key player for the national team, as I was. Or as I am. He has a lot of potential and quality. But it’s up to him. He has to improve every day and learn.”
One thing’s for sure, he couldn’t have a better role model.