From Thistle to facing the World Cup winners
It’s 40 years since Scotland fans were dreaming of World Cup glory in Argentina.
Ally Macleod was busy finalising his squad that would head to South America in the summer of 1978.
The ultimate aim was to play the host nation in the World Cup Final – and optimism was so high that it wasn’t seen as being impossible.
But, as things turned out, only one Scottish footballer played against Argentina in Buenos Aires that year.
Vinny Mccarthy wasn’t exactly a household name in Scotland, although a few Partick Thistle fans might have recognised the name. It was reported on April 15, 1978, that Scotland manager Macleod would be contacting the 19-year-old midfielder from Barrhead to get inside info on the Argentinians. He was based in Ireland, having gone there from Scotland via Old Trafford!
As Vinny recalls, the call never came from the international boss, but he still has a lasting reminder of facing the future world champions.
He said: “I had been playing for Waterford for two years, and had already played for the League of Ireland against Italy B.
“In 1978, they fixed up a game against Argentina to help them with their preparations for the World Cup.
“We flew to South America, via Paris, and played in front of 50,000 fans.
“I came on at half-time for our manager, Johnny Giles, and came up against players such as Passarella, Tarantini, Ardiles, Luque and Houseman.
“Most of our players were Irish, although former Chelsea and England striker Bobby Tambling was also in the side.
“We lost 3-1, but it was an incredible experience to play in that environment.
“I swapped shirts with Ricardo Villa, who went on to play for Spurs, and I still have his jersey as a souvenir of that game.” Another young player came off the bench for Argentina that day – 17-year-old Diego Maradona replaced Villa, but didn’t make the World Cup squad.
Vinny moved to Ireland for a season in 1976 and has been there ever since.
He went on: “I was with Partick Thistle from 1972 to 1975. I was given a Young Player of the Year award, but didn’t made it to the first team. “I played for the Scotland Under-18 team with guys like Andy Gray.
“I got on well with Jags’ manager Davie Mcparland, but things went wrong for me when he was replaced by Bertie Auld.
“He decided to have a clear-out and I was released.
“However, I was amazed when I then got a phone call from Tommy Docherty inviting me to Manchester United.
“Davie Mcparland had recommended me to him and that led to me spending the best part of a year at Old Trafford.
“Former Rangers player Kai Johansen then offered me a two-year deal to join Durban City, but I felt that was too long to commit to.
“Instead I agreed to join Waterford after speaking to their Scottish manager, John Mcseveney.
“Not long after I signed, Bobby Charlton joined the club for a few matches.”
Vinny spent three summers playing football in the US with Utah Golden Spikers and Los Angeles Skyhawks.
His first stint with Waterford spanned 11 years and there were also two shorter spells, as well as seasons with Shamrock Rovers and Cobh Ramblers.
He said: “I look back and believe I was good enough to make it in England or Scotland, “Jack Charlton once came over to speak to me about joining Sheffield Wednesday, and I went for a trial spell with Bristol City.
“A lot of clubs were supposed to be interested but, for whatever reason, nothing materialised.
“I married a local girl and she wasn’t keen on moving away from Waterford.”
These days Vinny works as a truck driver.