Hero Scott has a head for heights

THE movie of Scottish failure on the international stage is now so old it pre-dates Betamax.

But just as another rerun was being played out against Taiwan a twist in the tale changed the script entirely.

With only a draw being required against our Group A opponents the plot was looking increasingly familiar.

Scotland’s Seniors battered this nation of ageing footballers only for them to score against the break having frustrated the life out of us by playing keepball inside their own half.

The same old story was looming until a leveller arrived – finally a side in dark blue creating their own destiny by rising from the depth of adversity.

Scott Walker has been ribbed for having an enormous forehead but he rose like a Kelpie to bury Gary Holt’s cross in the dying seconds to secure a last-four spot.

A war of attrition ensued as Taiwan stunk the life out of proceedings by refusing to engage as an attacking force.

There’s an old Taiwan saying. Never let a square pass or a ball back to their keeper stand in the way of ambition. Dreadful, it bring tears to your eyes, a step up from parking the bus. Forget anti-football, Catenaccio was Made in Taiwan.

A red card for former Ross County defender Craig Tully may have been a shocker from the Thai ref but it did nothing to help us over the line.

The final minutes at last saw the opposition make a late charge at our goal. But thanks to Walker a team that looked like a bunch of elderly waiters were served their just desserts.

Special mention also goes to Kevin Finlayson who was nutmegged by a 73-old billionaire who plays for their side as he finances the trip.

Anyone who knows the former Morton man will appreciate the shame will take some time to ease.

And now a semi-final clash against Australia tomorrow looms. Onwards and upwards.

Finlayson was nutmegged by a 73-year-old billionaire