Platini wants history to be his judge over tournament
Disgraced former UEFA president, Michel Platini, insists he has no regrets about expanding the European Championships to 12 venues because it will give countries like Scotland a chance to host tournaments of their own in future.
French legend Platini was booted out of football in 2015 amid serious corruption claims. He was subsequently found guilty of ethics violations, and barred from the sport until 2023, after a FIFA investigation.
The for mer Juventus and France midfielder made the decision to award Euro 2020 to 12 countries in 2012 when he was still at UEFA.
But the idea has been heavily criticised since, and that was even before the Covid pandemic made it impossible to hold the Finals last year.
Hampden is due to hold four games, including two Scotland matches against Czech Republic and Croatia.
But there are severe doubts over Scotland’s ability to host the event because of a lack of assurances from the Scottish Government about attendance figures.
The 65- year- old, however, insists he’s delighted he gave Scotland and other nations the opportunity to co-host the tournament.
He stressed: “I do not regret making the European Championships an event with many co-hosts at all.
“Thanks to me and the organisation of this tournament, new stadiums have been built which will take football in plenty of countries to a new level.
“And countries such as Scotland, Ireland, Romania and Azerbaijan will be able to lay the foundations for being able to organise the European Championships on their own in the future.
“I achieved what I thought was important for football, and gave it everything I could.
“But the people who took my place say the job I did was far worse. History will judge if those claims are true.”
Falkirk have snapped up Rangers youngster Kyle Mcclelland on loan for the rest of the season.
The Bairns made their move after this week’s green light for Leagues One and Two, and the extension of the loan window.
Defender Mcclelland is a Northern Ireland youth internationalist, and last year penned a new deal at Rangers that keeps him at Ibrox until the end of next term.
As a young loan signing from Fulham, Steven Davis made an impact when Rangers were last contenders for a European trophy.
He debuted in the first knockout tie on the road to the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester in 2008 against Panathinaikos, then scored his first Rangers goal in a win over Werder Bremen.
Thirteen years on, Ian Durrant is in awe watching the 36-year-old do it all again – and much more.
The former Ibrox midfielder and coach sees the Northern Irishman conduct a masterclass for the purist, and recognises it’s his veteran football brain making Steven Gerrard’s team tick.
The longer the season goes on, the more Davis emerges as a Player of the Year candidate which could see him win the award 11 seasons apart.
Durrant, on Walter Smith’s backroom team in 2008, said: “Steven is defying logic the way he’s playing.
“He’s actually getting better with age.
“I know when you go into the latter stages of your career at, say 34 or 35, there’s a bit where energy levels drop. You don’t get about the park as much.
“But he’s so controlled upstairs. Without being disrespectful, his brain moves far faster than most players he’s playing with.
“He’s seeing victories out for the team. He knows exactly when to turn the gas up, and when to put it back down.
“And he looks in absolute control of everything he’s doing when Rangers are in possession.
“He’s always been a fantastic player but, right now, he looks the complete midfielder.”
Recent evidence of that was the Davis shot that led to Alfredo Morelos’ winner at Livingston in midweek.
So there’s no sign that the midfielder’s powers are on the wane, and he’s set to overtake Peter Shilton’s British caps record of 125 later this month when 2022 World Cup qualifying begins.
Thursday’s first-leg Europa League last-16 tie away to Slavia Prague will be Davis’ 48th outing for club and country since the start of August.
Durrant hopes to see him commit to another season of this second Ibrox spell.
He said: “The centre-halves must love it, knowing he’s in front, the way he goes about screening the ball.
“And what an education for Ryan Jack – who is not a bad player himself – to have these years playing beside Steven.
“They look the perfect foil in the middle. Players round Davis feed off the way he plays.
“I wouldn’t think the end was in sight. I’ve had a bit of dialogue with him now and again, so hopefully he’ll sign another deal.”
Durrant was the midfield star in 1992/93 when Rangers came close to reaching the inaugural Champions League Final.
He feels Gerrard’s group should fear no one as they prepare to tackle the Czechs for a place in the last eight.
The 54-year-old said: “There seems to be this, I wouldn’t say arrogance, but great confidence in Europe, where Rangers relish every challenge.
“What Steven Gerrard has done in Europe has been sensational. I was fortunate to be over in Braga last season. They were an excellent team, but Rangers dismantled them.
“The manager always has a great game plan when we’re playing away. They seem to be so focused, organised, well balanced – and potent with counter attacks.
“They’ve come through tough ties with flying colours. I hope this is another one.”