FAD’S MAD ON SNODDY
James McFadden has tipped Robert Snodgrass to be the next Tartan Army talisman. The Hull ace (left) bagged a hat-trick in our opening World Cup qualifier against Malta. And Faddy said: “He is going to be the man for us.”
James McFadden carried a nation’s fragile hopes on his back for a generation.
Now he reckons Robert Snodgrass is the man to wear the mantle of Scotland’s talisman.
The 29-year-old has battled back in style from 16 agonising months out for club and country, his hat- trick against Malta part of a spectacular six-in-six run of form.
But shouldering the responsibility of a campaign isn’t just about ability, it’s about character.
Faddy believes the Hull playmaker has it in abundance – and will relish the pressure the same way he did a decade ago.
Now Motherwell assistant boss, the former Tartan Army favourite said: “Robert is not a massively different type of player from me. He’s left-footed, can play anywhere across the front and comes up with goals.
“He’s come back from a bad injury and looks hungry to go and do well. He’s a guy that’s enjoying every second of every game he plays.
“He has given the squad a lift and ultimately, the country will look to him to be the man that’s going to bring the goals. He’s the ideal guy for it.
“He’s a great guy, level-headed, good about the place and a great player and he’s showing that. Can he handle that expectation? Easily.
“If you look at all the club sides he’s been at he’s been the talisman for them, he’s been the man to produce McFadden earn the first of his 48 caps at the age of 19.
He said: “It depends how it is handled. If you make a mistake and you’re lambasted for it, and don’t get a chance to redeem yourself, then you never know.
“However, if it’s dealt with in the right manner it gives you the platform to go and prove to people you’re not that person.
“It also allows you to pay back all the people that have given you the second chance.
“After Hong Kong, I could deal with the press and getting slaughtered. My family were great with me, Berti Vogts and Tommy Burns were excellent.
“That was all I needed. I needed reassurance from the manager, the coach and my family.
“They would say ‘Forget about it’ – and I did. I was that type of person.
“And it helped me. People wanted me to do well. It was definitely a positive in the end because it made me look normal, which I was anyway.
“There’s a fair few of the Tartan Army have missed their flights as well.
“It was one of those things you put down to experience. I learned from it and made it a positive. Snoddy’s the same.
“He had problems when he was younger but you forget about that now.
“All you talk about is how good a player he is, how good a professional he is and how good a guy he is and how’s he going to be the man to hopefully fire us to the World Cup.”