Better late than never for Marshall

IF CAPS were awarded for turning up, a portrait of David Marshall would be hanging in the Hampden Hall of Fame. In nine years of i nternational football, the Cardiff City goalkeeper has racked up just seven appearances for Scotland.

As others grapple to find meaning in an otherwise futile qualifier in Macedonia, Marshall has good reason to regard it as a personal proving ground.

‘It’s been a long time and I’ve not played as many games as I’d have liked,’ said the former Celtic keeper.

‘Recently, I thought about it, how many squads I’ve been in. But I don’t know and I don’t know who to ask.

‘With Kenny Miller retiring, I am probably the record holder — but you don’t get into the Hall of Fame for that …’

In more ways than one, international football has been an unsatisfactory, unfulfilling experience for Marshall. As Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor battled it out for the No 1 jersey, his own role was that of a bystander.

In the seven games he has played, Scotland have won none, lost 19 goals and scored one. It’s difficult to think of a mistake, or any particular goal, he was culpable for. Yet a 40 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifier under George Burley was a dark, desperate night.

‘Unfortunately, it’s just the way things have gone,’ shrugged Marshall (pictured). ‘In the games I’ve played, we’ve not had very much joy.’

There must have been times when he wondered if it was worth the effort. If the air miles and the hotel rooms were all a waste of his time.

‘I watched Craig play for Scotland for four or five years and I don’t think he made a mistake,’ he said. ‘When you have someone like that ahead of you, all you can do is bide your time. It was the same when Allan came in after Craig picked up injuries.

‘ I was unfortunate that I wasn’t playing at Celtic at the time.

‘But when it’s your country, you just need to be patient.

‘At club level you can try to move on if you’re not getting a game, but when it’s Scotland you’re just happy to be in the squad.

‘Even with Celtic, I had Artur Boruc in front of me, so it is frustrating.

‘If you are playing SaturdaySaturday, that’s the main thing. In the internationals, I am here to help, really.

‘It is a l ot of travelling for little reward, especially when you’ve got kids and family. But the flip side is that the Hampden games are massive.

‘Even the games we lost were a big highlight for me. I think that outweighs all the negative stuff.’

Asked if he had ever considered throwing in the towel, Kris Commonsstyle to spend more time with the family, there is a shake of the head.

‘Have I ever thought about chucking it? No, not deep down,’ he said.

‘Obviously Craig and Alan were in the squad together, but not for that long. I’ve always been in and around it. You are just happy to be here. I know it is time away, but you just have to get on with it.

‘In terms of losing games, it’s been disappointing, but I try to focus on how I performed.

‘You obviously want to win games, especially for your country. But I’ve been reasonably happy with how I’ve done whenever I’ve been asked to play.’

All the time, all the travel, all the sitting on a bench might begin to feel vindicated if Scotland win tomorrow night. Marshall has surely suffered for his country more than most.

He has waited patiently for his chance to prove that his record is l i ttle more than coincidence. A statistical glitch in the career of a keeper currently distinguishing himself in the English Premiership.

The opportunities have come along so rarely that this is one he feels obliged to take.

‘It would be huge for me if we could get a victory,’ he said. ‘Going into the game on Friday with Allan suspended, I just wanted to give the gaffer a problem by playing well.

‘I’ll just keep doing what I’ve done throughout my career, keep my head down and hope to take my chance when it comes.’ As of now, the chance is here. Skopje will be a dustup between two teams scratching around for selfrespect. Macedonia, with playmaker Goran Pandev at t heir heart pulling the strings, will probably have the greater number of chances.

Marshall, still remembered for his performance for Celtic against Barcelona all of nine years ago, will be the busier keeper.

‘Nobody wants to finish bottom of the group, especially for seedings,’ he added. ‘More teams qualify for the next Euros, so we want to finish as high as we can.’