Robert Snodgrass feels as if he has let down the country after Scotland’s World Cup dream died in Slovenia on Sunday.
The Scots failed to claim the win they needed to book their place in next month’s play-offs when they were held to a 2-2 draw.
The heartache of falling at the final hurdle was etched on Snodgrass’ face but he insists it paled in comparison to the sight of the Tartan Army having to endure another failure.
Snodgrass, who came off the bench to score the equaliser in the closing minutes, said: “It’s still absolutely gutting. It’s a real low point and sometimes football is hard to take. It was one of those nights and one of those experiences for us sadly on Sunday.
“You look at the supporters at the end. It’s the type of nation that we are. They were applauding and cheering and when we got the goal back they were willing us on. Every kick of the ball they were with us.
“If I’m honest, I’m more disappointed for them because they deserve to be at the World Cup.
“They deserve it more than anyone, the whole nation deserves it but it wasn’t to be.
“The second half of the campaign was very good but we perhaps just left ourselves with too much to do.
“It was hard for me at the start because I was injured and I’ve had to sit and watch a lot of the campaign.
“I was happy to get the goal against Slovenia on Sunday but ultimately it didn’t help us in what we were trying to achieve.”
A jaded, tired performance meant there would be no late winner this time around but Aston Villa midfielder Snodgrass insists it was not for the lack of effort on the players’ part.
He said: “There was still a belief we could get the winner and I think you saw that towards the end. It was a bit gung-ho with everyone going for it. We were just pushing for the goal that would have taken us to the play-offs.
“I’m not going to comment on anyone’s performance, that’s not my job and it’s not what I’m here to do but you can’t fault the boys for their effort. We gave our all in search of that goal but it wasn’t to be.”
The inquest is under way on another missed opportunity, the 10th in a row for the national team, and much of the focus is on whether Gordon Strachan will continue as manager.
The SFA insists it is in no rush to make a decision but with Strachan’s contract due to expire next month Snodgrass insists the players want him to continue.
He said: “I think it’s hard to talk about anything because it’s still so soon after the result. We will all need time to go away assess things. The manager and players will all need to have a think. Of course, I want the manager to stay. I think all the boys do. He’s a good man.”
Scottish Football Association chief Stewart Regan, meanwhile, says Hampden officials will not rush into making a decision over Strachan’s future.
The Scotland manager is out of contract next month but, with no competitive action in the diary until the new Uefa Nations League kicks off next September, Regan believes SFA officials can take their time before deciding their next move.
A board meeting planned for tomorrow when the issue will be aired but Regan insists there will be no ‘knee-jerk reaction’.
He said: “Everyone is disappointed with how the campaign ended. But we now need time to reflect on the campaign and discuss it as a board.
We’re not going to make any knee-jerk decisions. I’ve already had a chat with the manager and we’ve discussed it and I’ve said to him we’ll be discussing things as a board. I don’t think it would be fair on him or fair on us to make any snap judgment.
“We’ll just reflect on it and when we’re ready we’ll make a call on what happens next.”