Scott McTominay has revealed he needed a procedure to reset the beat of his heart just two days before Scotland’s World Cup campaign kicked off back in June.

Heading into the opening game against Haiti in Boston, the explanation given from the Scottish Football Association was that McTominay had been carrying a sickness bug.

But, after the squad had flown from their training base in Charlotte, McTominay had actually been whisked away to hospital straight from the airport via a police escort.

The 29-year-old had shock treatment on his heart before then going on to play all three games as Steve Clarke’s side were knocked out at the group stage.

The Napoli midfielder subsequently underwent corrective surgery back at the start of the season and missed Scotland’s opening four fixtures in the Nations League.

Now back in the squad ahead of the upcoming double-header with North Macedonia and Switzerland, McTominay has opened up for the first time on his health issues.

Scott McTominay had a heart procedure two days before playing against Haiti

Scott McTominay in action during Scotland’s 1-0 World Cup win over Haiti

‘I had to go and get the shock on my heart,’ revealed McTominay.

‘It was two days before the Haiti game. You’ve prepared so well. I was in such good condition and then something like that happens. You’re thinking, ‘how is this happening to me?’

‘You have to get on with it, that’s the cards that you’re dealt in football. Sometimes, things don’t go your way.

‘I was 100% [fit], but obviously, whenever you’re sat in a hospital bed two days before the first game of the World Cup about to get put to sleep, it’s not ideal, is it?’