Gashtarov ready for Scotland after 'entire life changed' in OctoberClive Lindsay - BBC Sport Scotland Thu, November 12, 2026 at 10:31 PM UTC
Matej Gashtarov says "my entire life changed in 20 days" after making his North Macedonia breakthrough at the age of 19 last month - and the midfielder is determined to "enjoy the moment" against Scotland despite his side's poor run of results.
The Red Star Belgrade teenager is poised to earn his fifth cap at Hampden Park on Friday having played in last month's latest four of eight consecutive defeats.
It came only four months after he returned from ending last season on loan to Borac 1926 as they finished ninth in Serbia's second tier.
Now he has travelled to Glasgow on the back of 14 starts this season for the runaway Serbian Super League leaders and reigning champions, including three in the Conference League.
"For me, my entire life changed in 20 days and this is something new," Gashtarov said. "When I go out onto the pitch, I try to enjoy myself.
"I have played against many great players and great national teams - I do not feel pressure and I try to enjoy the moment."
Unless they win at Hampden, North Macedonia will be relegated to Nations League C, but the teenager does not think that will make them any more determined.
"When we wear the Macedonia shirt, I do not think we should need any special motivation, because simply being in the senior national team provides that motivation," he added.
"We are playing against a great Scotland, who have quality players, but we also have our own players who are in very good form. We will go out onto the pitch to give our best and enjoy ourselves."
Source: Sports
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