Rangers legend Arthur Numan has high hopes for the Netherlands at Euro 2020 – and healthy vibes about his adopted homeland of Scotland

Arthur Numan thinks Scotland can make history at the Euros by getting through Group D, and into the Last 16 for the first time ever.

The Rangers legend will be rooting for his home nation.

But he retains enough affection for the country where he plied his trade from 1998 to 2003 that he hopes Steve Clarke’s side can set up a potential meeting with the Netherlands in Budapest a fortnight today.

The 51-year-old said: “I can’t believe the last time Scotland played in a major tournament was at France 98, the year I joined Rangers.

“But the wait is now over, and Scotland seems to be ready to make the most of this opportunity.

“Steve Clarke has a very calming presence. He never seems to get carried away, or get too down.

“It’s a nice balance to have, and it is rubbing off on the squad in a positive way.

“Scotland played very well against us a couple of weeks ago, and that was without five or six of their regular players.

“The fact they have two of their section games at Hampden Park should be an advantage.

“They can definitely get at least four points from their three games.

“The toughest game should be against England at Wembley. But, in a strange sort of way, it might be their easiest fixture because of the rivalry.

“I’m sure Scotland can get out of their section, and into the Last 16. They have the quality in-depth to do well.

“Being a former left-back, I really enjoy watching Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney. They are both out of the top drawer.

“For a couple of years, there seemed to be a problem trying to get them both into the starting line-up. But Steve has solved the problem, and their roles are very clear.

“Andy is the left-back – or left wing-back – and Kieran is the left-sided central defender. It’s working perfectly, and has brought a solid balance to that side of the pitch.

“There is skill, ability, experience and power in the middle of the park. John McGinn and Scott McTominay are experienced players at the highest level.

“Stuart Armstrong has also been doing very well for Southampton. And the arrival on the scene of Billy Gilmour has really caught the imagination. I rate him highly.

“Obviously, it will be up to Steve who he selects, but it is a nice problem for him to have.

“I would have liked for Ryan Jack to be in there, and it’s such a shame he is missing out through injury.

“He was brilliant for Rangers last season. He has matured into a top-quality midfielder, and a leader.

“But the ones who are there will be all desperate to do their bit.

“It’s exciting and I know there are lots of my friends in Scotland really looking forward to it.

“They are all hoping for Scotland to play Holland in the knock-out stages. I think that can happen. Scotland can make history, and be there for the first time.

“Who will win that game? Well, let’s wait and see, and I can assess it more nearer the time!”

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Numan was on the bench when Scotland last appeared in the Euros, back in 1996 when the countries fought out a goal-less draw at Villa Park.

A Patrick Kluivert goal in their 4-1 defeat at Wembley saw Scotland exit at the group stage on goal difference, and the Dutch went out themselves in the quarter-finals, on penalties to France.

Numan believes this year’s tournament is wide open, and can see as many as seven countries in the frame to lift the trophy at Wembley on July 11.

“I think Holland have a chance of doing very well, with the ability in the squad to go very, very far in the tournament,” he continued. “France, Portugal, England, Germany, Italy and Belgium will also be in the mix. It’s that wide open.

“Maybe it will be Spain who win it?

“Luis Enrique is one of the best coaches in the world, and knows the game inside out.

“He has top, top players, such as Rodri and Ferran Torres from Manchester City, Jordi Alba from Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid’s Koke and Alvaro Morata.

“But you just never know. It’s all about getting into a rhythm on the pitch as quickly as possible, and having harmony off the pitch.”.

Numan is close to the Dutch head coach, Frank de Boer, and is in constant contact with Frank’s twin brother, Ronald, who he played with at Rangers.

A bit like Scotland, his countrymen have under-achieved in recent years.

“We reached the World Cup Final in 2010 in South Africa but lost to Spain. But then we lost our way, and didn’t qualify for Euro 2016.” said Numan.

“We are back on track, however, and have some excellent players. Of course, it would have been good to have had Virgil van Dijk available.

“So we need to get on with it, and be positive.

“There are lots of conversations going on just now about Frank playing with a 3-5-2 system. It’s unusual as we have been used to 4-3-3.

“The last time we played 3-5-2 was during the 2014 World Cup Finals in Brazil, when Louis van Gaal was head coach and striker Dirk Kuyt played right wing-back!

“Now we have Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst as our main strikers. Denzel Dumfries is down the right and Owen Wijndal is down the left.

“I hope that works, and I have confidence in Frank. He is an exceptional coach.

“But we will have to wait and see how it unfolds in the coming three or four weeks.

“All three of our section games are in Amsterdam. That’s a huge bonus.

“It starts tonight against Ukraine. North Macedonia and Austria make up the section.

“The whole of Europe is very much looking forward to the tournament, and I am too.

“I also have a good feeling for Scotland.

“Let’s get it going.”