JACOB'S LADDER

Brown's climbed into fold at perfect time as squad scale Euro heights... now he's focused on avoiding drop with stunning finals summit in view

- FRASER WILSON

JACOB BROWN reckons he couldn't have timed his arrival in the Scotland squad any better.

But the Luton Town striker is well aware he now faces a fight to ensure he doesn't drop back out of Steve Clarke's plans at the worst possible time.

It's two years ago this month Brown was called up for the first time for a World Cup qualifying double-header with Moldova and Denmark that would cement a play-off spot.

That quest to reach Qatar ended in despair but Clarke's troops came back stronger to romp through Euro 2024 qualifying and book a spot in Germany in record time.

As Hampden drew the curtain down on the campaign with a party against Norway, Brown was rewarded for his commitment to the cause with a first start. It has been a long wait for the ex-Stoke frontman but the goosebumps he felt walking out on Sunday justified his patience.

And a spot in the 23-man squad heading to Germany next June would rubber-stamp it.

The 25-year-old said: "My first camp was around this time two years ago and obviously everyone wants to come and start.

"You've just got to be patient, bide your time and keep working hard.

"Luckily I got the chance against Norway. That was my eighth appearance but my first start so it was good.

"I've probably fallen into the squad at a good time!