‘My family will be looking down on me’ – Tommy Conway opens up on Scotland debut

TOMMY CONWAY was overcome with emotion after making his international debut at Hampden tonight.

The Bristol City ace, 21, came off the bench to replace goalscorer Lawrence Shankland in the second half and almost marked the occasion with a debut goal, only to be denied by Finland goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.

Conway, who was called up by Steve Clarke in Lyndon Dykes‘ place, was born in England but is eligible for the Tartan Army through his grandfather who was from Stirling.

And speaking after picking up his first international cap, Conway toasted his late grandad and said he will be looking down on him as he entered the fray for the first time as a senior player at Hampden.

The 21-year-old also admitted the experience hasn’t sunk in and insists wearing the dark blue shirt is the “pinnacle” of his career.

He told BBC Scotland: “It’s surreal, it hasn’t really sunk in yet, I probably won’t sleep tonight.

“I know my grandad will be looking down proud and I had my family here as well.

“Overall it’s a really proud day. I don’t think there is anything better in football than making your family proud and playing on the international stage for your country is the pinnacle.

“So to do that and make my debut, it’s a really proud day all round.

Conway was a bright spark for Scotland in the final half hour at Hampden.

He was brought on the pitch at 2-0 but watched on as Finland snatched a point in the final stages

But the young striker was inches away from heading home the winner in stoppage time as he forced a great save from Sinisalo before the final whistle.

Conway thought he had sealed it for Clarke’s men, but joked he will save his first goal for Germany next week.

He said: “I thought it was in for a split second, I have hit the goalie and a couple of the lads were telling me I should have scored.

“I said to them I’m saving them for next week!

“That’s the dream, I have not stopped dreaming about that so let’s hope it happens.

“I’ll be ready when called upon and hopefully I’ll put myself in the best place possible to get on the scoresheet.

“To be going there is a big honour and when I get the opportunity I am going to grab it with both hands.

“The step up in quality is evident, you can tell they are playing at the highest level and not only that, the team character we have is top and that will take us far in the tournament as well.

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