The Scots booked their first appearance at the tournament for 28 years with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark in their final qualifier last November and the Bournemouth midfielder explained how the match grabbed the attention of those who usually have no interest in the sport.

Christie told FourFourTwo magazine: "So many people spoke to me after the game. Down in Bournemouth, my wife has pals who don't know the first thing about football, but said they were crying watching it.

"It seemed to transcend the sport. So many people tuned into that game. You couldn't write that ending (with Kenny McLean scoring from the halfway line to seal the victory) if you tried.

"I've been saying to people it's the best game I've ever seen live – and I played in it! It was such a cool thing to be part of. They were three of the best goals to ever be scored by Scotland."

Christie explained that Scott McTominay's early overhead kick was his favourite goal of the night, despite extraordinary finishes later on from Kieran Tierney and McLean.

He said: "I've got to go for Scott McTominay's, because it was completely ridiculous to even try something like that! But for Kieran Tierney to hit a ball like that with the pressure, a bouncing ball coming towards you... and then Kenny McLean to put the icing on the cake from the halfway line.

"It was an incredible night. It was like fate in football. When you have a group of players who are that together, and willing to work hard for each other and their country, it plays a part in these things happening.

"It was one of the best nights for Scottish football and I feel very proud to have been a part of it."