The big defender has picked up SPL medals, lifted Scottish and League Cups and played in the knock-out stages of the Champions League but McManus is in no doubt representing his country at South Africa in two years would top the lot.

McManus, who will lead his country into tonight’s friendly with Northern Ireland, with Barry Ferguson out injured,  can’t wait for the real action to start - with next month’s qualifiers with Macedonia and Iceland.

He said:  “We want to go and play in a big tournament.  For me, it would be the pinnacle of my career. As a player it would be great to go to a World Cup finals.”

McManus also knows to do that Scotland need to get off to a decent start - with the Dutch and Norwegians to follow.

“If we can get a few points on the board then that would be great, Mick admitted. “Other countries will give us more respect.  We just tried to do out best and we will do the same in this campaign.”