ANDY MURRAY strolled out on a moon lit Hampden pitch on Tuesday night with just his thoughts for company.

 

The Scot spent time exploring one of the country's most iconic arenas made famous the world over to be a cauldron of noise, colour, passion and glorious failure.

Instead the 27-year-old was afforded the opportunity to be the national stadium's sole occupant as he also took his time to wander down a tunnel that has held many of Scotland's most iconic athletes within it.

It was a moment of calm contemplation for the man that in 24 hours is set to hold court with 7500 of screaming Glaswegians.

Every last one of them - who will pack out the Emirates Arena for this weekend's Davis Cup tie against the USA - is aware of just how monumental an occasion it will be. Murray, a two-time Grand Slam winner and current Olympic Champion, is a phenomenon in British sport that will possibly never be seen again.

It is little wonder then that there has been such a clamour to witness his first appearance in Glasgow since 2011.

And speaking ahead of today's draw, the world No.5 explained how an audience with an empty Hampden Park helped him re-immerse himself into the place he still calls home.

"I just went and had a little walk around," said Murray of his jaunt round Queen's Park's humble abode.

"I saw in the locker room, the dressing room and the warm-up areas. I went out on to the pitch at night which was nice.

"I think I've only ever been to Hampden once before for a cup final which Hibs lost, surprisingly.

"It was nice, though. It was cool."

The serenity of a desolate Hampden will be a far cry from what Murray will be walking into this weekend.

Even though he has enjoyed an increasingly-warm backing at Wimbledon, especially since his triumph in 2013, he is relishing the prospect of a crowd that will be on mass cheering his every serve, swing, smash and swear word.

However, the Scottish icon took a modest approach to the suggestion that he is the star attraction at the Glasgow event.

"I think for all of the team getting to play in front of a crowd like this is a great feeling," said Murray.

"I would say the nicest thing about the Davis Cup is getting a home tie and having the whole crowd behind you. It's not like that at the tournaments we play for the rest of the year.

"Everyone is there to support you and I'm sure the whole team will respond well to it and hopefully make it a little bit harder for the USA."

As Murray, James Ward, Dominic Inglot and team captain Leon Smith spoke to the press, one member of the line-up was missing at the Emirates Arena yesterday.

Jamie Murray was absent with Smith claiming the former Wimbledon mixed doubles champion was laid up with a cold.

However, the team captain remained unconcerned ahead of today's draw.

"He is a little bit under the weather," said Smith.

"I think he's okay. He had breakfast early doors and seemed fine, we just didn't want to give him a long day. He should be fine."