Barcelona great Xavi has revealed that he misses Scotland's presence in major international tournaments.

Scotland's last appearance in a major tournament came in the 1998 World Cup, when Spain regular Xavi debuted for Catalonia, but the Al-Sadd midfielder is backing them to make the cut for the 2018 edition in Russia.

He told The Sun: "I grew up with Scotland at major tournaments. It is sad for the country that it has been so long since they were there.

"We played Scotland at Hampden a few years ago but I wasn't playing. I was injured but I remember it was a fantastic game.

"As a kid I'd watch them play and I feel real sympathy for the fans and for the players that they are not there.

"Everyone loves Scotland. In Spain everyone loves Real Betis because of their supporters — and Scotland is the same.

"I would love to see them make it back to a major tournament in 2018. The fans and the players are so passionate about the game.

"We have missed them at these tournaments and hopefully they are back sooner than later."