IT’S SOD’S LAW
Fir Park gaffer still can’t believe people are surprised by O’Donnell shining for Scotland
insists the only surprises about Stephen O’Donnell’s rock-solid Scotland displays are that people still seem shocked by them.
The Motherwell skipper once again proved his doubters wrong as he helped Steve Clarke’s side claim a vital Vienna victory on Tuesday night.
The 1-0 win over Austria has fired Scotland into the box seat for a World Cup play-off place.
But his Fir Park boss can’t believe there is still anyone left to be convinced.
Alexander is well aware the clamour for Nathan Patterson at right-back has only grown after the Rangers kid impressed on his first competitive start against Moldova.
But he reckons it’s about time O’Donnell started getting some recognition for his contributions after the 29-year-old stepped back into Clarke’s line-up in place of an injured Patterson to help shut out an Austria line-up desperate for a win.
The Well boss said: “I don’t know why people are surprised that he plays well for Scotland.
“If you are getting picked for your national team consistently, then you must be good.
“I don’t think he has ever let the team or country down.
“His national manager thinks the same. He has stiff competition, as you would expect for a national squad.
“I wasn’t surprised by the performance against Austria at all. It happens in football and in life everyone likes shiny new things and change.
“But consistency, experience, good performances also have a great value and I believe that’s what Stephen brings. You saw defensively he was strong and disciplined but he also gave them a great outlet going forward.
“He almost scored, like he did against England at the Euros.
“I’ve spoken to SOD about it and the challenges he will face playing for us and being picked for Scotland. But he is up for the challenge.”
O’Donnell is quickly racking up an impressive list of venues where he has done himself and his country proud.
The Ernst-Happel-Stadion now slots in behind Wembley and Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic Stadium in the defender’s Scotland highlights reel.
And Alexander has no doubt he will acquit himself just as well if Clarke calls on him for next month’s all-important Hampden clash with Israel.
The ex-Scotland defender, capped 40 times, said: “Steve is in a great position that he has more than one good player for that right-back position.
“I want SOD to play every game as I know his value and what he brings to the team. And I want my players to do well.”
O’Donnell had to be replaced 13 minutes from time against the Austrians after suffering the
recurrence of a long-standing hip complaint. But Alexander is confident his captain will be fit for today’s visit of Aberdeen.
Well are looking to make it three wins in a row, having beaten Livingston and Dundee before the international break.
Alexander sounded a note of caution and said: “I have been in the game a long time and I don’t go in at the start of the season thinking every game will
go our way as it isn’t that easy.
“You have to take hits, understand why you take those hits, why you didn’t play well and try to put that right in training.
“If everything was perfect, there would be no point in us coaches as players could manage themselves. “We know we will get some bloody noses this season but can we bounce back and throw some punches ourselves? I think we have done that.”