Scotland’s World Cup humbling of a different kind

NOT for the first time Scotland suffered a World Cup humbling.

But on this occasion it was an experience to gladden the heart and feed the soul as the squad took part in a coaching session with local Thai kids.

It was the highlight of the week and a reminder of the joy football can bring to those less fortunate and where life is a constant struggle.

A couple of hours where most things were put into perspective.

We loaded our luggage with brand new boots, balls, tops and T-shirts to dish out to excited children who thought all their birthdays had come at once.

The day was more poignant for some than others. James ‘Jiggy’ Ferry is still strutting his stuff despite racking up 55 years on the clock and has the misfortune of sharing a room with Stuart Cameron.

The full-back with the heart of gold excelled at the charity event as he was charged with finding which children were most disadvantaged so they could be given priority in the gift presentations.

He was the ideal choice as he tells of his own upbringing in Clydebank which didn’t come without its challenges. One of his claims is that apparently his family was so poor the birds used to throw bread in through his window.

As part of a huge set of siblings, he speaks of a daily race to the dinner table and whoever was last went without.

His emaciated frame would explain why he’s continually being beaten for pace down the left flank in recent games.

It has been a tournament of inaction for utility man Billy Thompson but he has shrugged off being surplus to demand when it comes to team selection by throwing himself into the coaching.

Fergie, as he’s known, was a picture of enthusiasm as he put the school kids through their paces and after travelling almost 6000 miles to be here, it was an opportunity to finally get a kick at the ball.

After giving the feelgood factor another boost, the focus now turns to today’s semifinal clash with Iran.

Our opponents are state funded and have been together in a training camp for the last three months.

Such is the esteem in which they hold this competition, their squad has been given exemption from sticking strictly to ban from eating only during the period from sunrise until sunset.

Not content with gorging themselves at breakfast, they overdid it again during last night’s Gala dinner by doing a man-marking job on the buffet bar.

Food for thought as to what lies in store for the semi-final and it could be a tough night for us Scotland. Iran have attempted to get the game changed to

One of his claims is that apparently his family was so poor the birds used to throw bread in through his window

another stadium which they feel will be more suited to their passing game but Scotland are having none of it.

Once again it’s a case of last-men standing due a squad being decimated by injury.

We are down to the walking wounded after a World Cup campaign that now has us labelled dark horses, which brings us to the thoroughbred which is Geordie Shaw.

He’s a dark horse all on his own as he has spent every spare minute soaking up the sun by the hotel pool. He has now developed a colour which stands only in comparison with Jimmy Calderwood.

Note of correction. In yesterday’s column our co-manager was referred to as assistant boss.

The Thai diary is more than happy to clarify that Paul Donnelly coaches the team in tandem with Alan McTurk.