Scotland star surprises Glasgow pupils with visit before Euros

Scotland star Scott McTominay surprised pupils at a Glasgow school to talk about contact lenses.

The Manchester United player visited Riverbank Primary School in the East End to spread awareness about the benefits and safe use of lenses.

The football star, who scored in Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland during the Euro 2024, is currently playing in Germany.

(Image: Specsavers)

His visit to the school before the tournament, organised by Specsavers as part of their Scotland National Team sponsorship included exciting sports day activities such as races and a football egg and spoon race, to show how lenses helped him in his career.

(Image: Specsavers)

He said: “I wore glasses at school but didn’t wear them as much as I should.

“Then at 15, I switched to contact lenses, and it truly transformed my life—especially on the pitch.

”If I did try to play sports in them I did sometimes find it a little bit difficult. That’s why the contact lenses have made a huge difference – as soon as I got used to putting them in it did genuinely change my life.

”I had a great day with the kids, sharing my experiences. It’s important for me to do what I can to help younger generations.”

(Image: Specsavers)

His need for lenses was highlighted during a recent Champions League game when he accidentally clashed with Neymar, causing him to lose one lens that left him partially sighted.

Speaking about the experience, McTominay said: ”To change them, you need clean hands and a clean face, so I rushed in during half-time to wash.

“Genuinely, having contact lenses is my superpower because if I didn’t have them, and playing at the elite standard of football that I play in, I wouldn’t be able to play.

(Image: Specsavers)

”Your eyesight should never hold you back from doing anything that you love.”

Tommy Hynes, the head teacher, said: “Having such an inspirational figure and leader as Scott visit the school was a special moment for the pupils.

”We wish Scott and the rest of the Scotland team all the very best at the Euros.”