I had emergency heart treatment before World Cup opener — McTominay

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay Photo: Web

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has revealed that he underwent emergency treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat just two days before his country’s opening match against Haiti at the FIFA World Cup in June.

The Napoli midfielder disclosed that he received treatment to regulate his heartbeat shortly before Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Haiti in Massachusetts.

McTominay, 29, recently underwent an ablation procedure in Manchester, a minimally invasive medical operation used to correct abnormal heart rhythms.

Recounting his experience on BBC Sport on Tuesday, the former Manchester United midfielder said the incident came as a shock after months of preparation for the tournament.

“I had to go and get the shock on my heart. It was two days before the Haiti game. You’ve prepared so well. I was in such good condition and then something like that happens. You’re thinking, ‘How is this happening to me?’” he said.

He added that despite the unexpected medical situation, he had to remain focused and get on with his football responsibilities.

“You have to get on with it, that’s the cards that you’re dealt in football. Sometimes, things don’t go your way,” McTominay said.

The midfielder, who also featured for 90 minutes in Scotland’s defeats to Morocco and Brazil, admitted that being in hospital shortly before the opening fixture was far from ideal.

“I was 100 per cent fit, but obviously, whenever you’re sat in a hospital bed two days before the first game of the World Cup about to get put to sleep, it’s not ideal, is it?” he added.

McTominay also praised Napoli and the medical personnel who attended to him during his recovery, describing the recent procedure in Manchester as successful.

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He missed Scotland’s opening four Nations League fixtures but has returned to action for Napoli in domestic and UEFA Champions League competitions.

Expressing relief at his recovery, the midfielder said he was feeling considerably better and believed the procedure was necessary.

“I’m good. I’m feeling much, much better than what I was. I feel like it was something that needed to be done. In your career, you have moments like that where things can take you a bit by surprise,” he said.

He explained that although reports about his heart condition generated concern among family members, friends and the media, the procedure was relatively straightforward.

“Obviously, it looks a lot worse to people in the media and family and friends who reach out to you after they see news related to a heart issue, but it’s a relatively straightforward procedure, which went really, really well in Manchester,” McTominay said.

The midfielder added that returning to football and proving himself again remained his biggest priority.

“So just really happy to be back and playing football again. That’s the most important thing in my life and it always will be in terms of wanting to come back and prove myself again and making sure that I can go to another level,” he said.

McTominay is now back in Scotland’s squad ahead of their Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia on Friday and Switzerland on Monday.

He also reiterated his determination to keep improving, stressing the importance of recovery, proper nutrition and discipline throughout his career.

“For me, it’s always about coming back stronger. No matter how well you play in one game, it’s about the next game and pushing yourself and recovering well and eating the right things, sleeping correctly throughout your career,” he said.