Little Scotland celebrates clinching World Cup spot

John McGhee described the atmosphere across Corby after Scotland's win as "absolutely electric"

People living a town known as Little Scotland have celebrated the Tartan Army ending their long wait for a return to the men's football World Cup.

Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park on Tuesday to qualify for next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Northamptonshire town of Corby has been dubbed "Little Scotland" ever since scores of Scots migrated south to work in the town's steelworks in the 1930s, and its pubs and bars hosted celebrations as Steve Clarke's side secured their spot.

John McGhee, who watched it on television, said: "It was a total rollercoaster of emotions. I've never seen so many people smiling at one time. It was absolutely fantastic."

Ricky Cunningham said it was "a great feat" for Scotland to qualify for a World Cup for the first time in 28 years

Scotland led twice inside the 90 minutes and twice lost their lead, but then scored two goals in injury time – one from their own half – to ensure they will be in the finals for the first time since 1998 in France.

They are now in the 5 December draw for next summer's tournament, having overcome Greece, Belarus and the Danes.

Ricky Cunningham, from the Corby Ex-Servicemen's Club, added: "I was quietly confident [Scotland would qualify.] I'm old enough... to have seen it before in 1978 and 1998.

"A full generation have never seen Scotland at a World Cup and it will be a good reminder for people my age that it's happening again."

Paul McKenna, also from the town, hopes to attend the World Cup next year and said: "We're still on a high. We keep thinking, 'Did it happen?' The holy grail of the World Cup is here and we'll see what happens in the draw.

"Our little section, Corby Grampian Tartan Army, have been saving up for nearly two years to get the flights, the hotels [to go]."

Paul McKenna (second left) hopes to be at the World Cup next year

In their previous World Cup appearances, Scotland have never managed to progress beyond the group stages.

Steve Noble, chairman of Corby Town FC, added: "I'm over the moon, and I can't wait until the summer. We've had near misses, we've had better squads, but these kids are hardworking, honest guys, and we're due a bit of luck."

Colin Calderwood, the technical director at Northampton Town who played for Scotland in 1998, said: "It was a spectacular and emotional night for everyone."

Northampton Town's Colin Calderwood (centre) played for Scotland the last time they qualified for a World Cup