Even after a period of unimaginable grief that still goes on, Harry – who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United – is able to find a crumb of comfort from a tragic period.
“When Aaron became ill, it did bring me and John a lot closer together, certainly after his passing as well,” he says.
“Not that me and John were never that close or anything like that, but with me living in England and him playing in Scotland, we didn’t really speak a lot.”
In the wake of tragedy, their bond has become stronger.
Texts and calls have now become more frequent, even if it is just to “talk about random things”.
“The one good thing to come from it, if you could say it’s a good thing, would be that it’s brought me and John closer,” Harry adds.
Both brothers kick off their World Cup schedules on Sunday, with Scotland facing Haiti (02:00 BST) directly before Australia take on Turkey (05:00).
“It’s just great that we’re both here,” Harry says. “I know John missed out on the Euros a few years ago, which he was absolutely gutted about.
“I’m absolutely over the moon that he’s here. And it’s one that the family are all filled with pride with. For me, I’m proud of him as well.”
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