Game of Thrones star Rory McCann has told the Tartan Army “it’s time to dream” ahead of Scotland’s epic return to the World Cup.
The actor appeared in Tennent’s new advert capturing the rollercoaster Scottish football fans have endured from the heartbreaking loss of 1998 to the hope and belief of finally qualifying once again.
The national team secured its place at the US tournament this summer in November last year following a stunning 4-2 win over the Danes. Steve Clarke’s men have been placed in Group C and are set to face Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in Boston and Miami.
The actor – who played the Hound in HBO smash-hit Game of Thrones – appeared in popular Tartan Army boozer, the Rose Reilly.
Donning a Scotland scarf, he reflected on Scotland’s last kick at the World Cup, when they were painfully knocked out of the tournament in a 3-0 loss to Morocco. Delivering a rousing speech set to spur on the nation, he said: “Dreams don’t come easy.
“But if you can keep them alive, they can fuel a thirst for what could be.”
View 2 ImagesRory McCann beside a mural of Scott McTominay(Image: Tennent’s)
He continues his rallying call in optimistic fashion with talk of “daring to defy gravity” as he walks past a mural of Scott McTominay’s now legendary overhead kick against Denmark.
That’s quickly followed by a further reference to that infamous qualification night at Hampden Park when he talks of “shooting for the stars from our own half” – a salute to Kenny McLean’s wonder strike.
View 2 ImagesMcCann has asked fans to dream(Image: Tennent’s)
Pictures of real Tartan Army footsoldiers on away trips throughout the long wait can also be seen hung on the walls of the pub as McCann walks towards the bar. The star even delivers a cheeky nod to his role as ‘The Hound’ with a promise to “dream of sitting on football’s greatest throne”.
As he reaches the bar and receives a fresh pint of Tennent’s, he delivers a final rallying call: “We see your American dream and we’ve got one of our own!”
Hazel Alexander, senior brand manager at Tennent’s Lager said: “Watching Scotland with mates and a Tennent’s in hand has been part of our football rituals for decades.
“We’ve been there through every high and every heartache – but to get the chance to watch Scotland on football’s biggest stage again, and after almost 30 years, is going to be something special.
“We know the nation will be dreaming of an unforgettable summer and we’ll be right there with them.”
The advert is live now, hitting screens nationwide via Amazon Prime, Netflix and across cinemas, with the spot also set to feature in ad breaks on STV during the World Cup. The Time To Dream campaign will also feature in bars, on packs and across Tennent’s Lager’s social channels.
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