50 years ago, I realised my boyhooddream
I’m reliably informed it was 50 years ago this week that I made my Scotland debut.
The late Tommy Docherty was the national team manager, and he handed me the opportunity in a game against Belgium at Pittodrie on November 10, 1971.
I was only 20. It was a qualifier for the 1972 Euros, and we won 1-0. I came on as a sub for Hibs midfielder, Alex Cropley in the second half.
Every time I played for Scotland I felt proud and privileged. I never took it for granted.
I had grown up dreaming of doing it, so when the fantasy became a reality, I was very humbled.
I know that my parents and family were ever so proud that night when I played my first game for my country.
To then go on and play a total of 102 times was way beyond my wildest dreams.
My international career lasted 15 years, and took me to the World Cup Finals in
West Germany, Argentina and Spain.
I played with some world-class players, and played against some of the best the game has ever seen.
But even if I only got that one cap, I would still have been chuffed. I genuinely mean that.
That’s why I can identify with the likes of Aberdeen defender, Andy Considine, in recent times.
He was 33 when Steve Clarke gave him his debut last year in the 1-0 win against Slovakia.
Andy was the oldest debutant since Celtic keeper, Ronnie Simpson, back in 1967 when he helped us beat England, the then World Champions, at Wembley. Ronnie was 36.
To be given such an honour late in your career must be unbelievable. But it will also give every other professional footballer hope of what can be achieved with hard work and a wee bit of luck.
These stories are inspirational, and are all part of what makes football such a brilliant sport and way of life for so many people.
Scotland might be on the verge of another glory night, and let’s hope we can defeat Moldova on Friday evening.
Good luck to Steve and the players.