Hampden return for Douglas

Former Dundee and Scotland keeper Rab Douglas admitted he savoured his surprise return between the sticks for Arbroath at Hampden on Saturday.

The 45-year-old kept a clean sheet for Dick Campbell’s Lichties in a 2-0 League One success over Queen’s Park after he replaced David Hutton in goal.

After making his first senior appearance since leaving Forfar in December 2015, Courier columnist Douglas, who enjoyed two spells at Dens Park, said: “It does not matter if you are 18 or 45, getting a clean sheet at Hampden is brilliant.

“This is my third stint helping Arbroath out and I didn’t think that I would ever play.”

QUEEN’S PARK 0 ARBROATH 2

Veteran keeper Rab Douglas made a surprise return to action for the first time in nearly two years and kept a clean sheet as Arbroath took the points at Hampden.

Gayfield manager Dick Campbell opted to bring Douglas in as he was unhappy with some of the goals his side conceded recently.

The former Dundee, Celtic and Scotland shot-stopper admitted he had a degree of sympathy for the dropped David Hutton.

Douglas, 45, said: “It does not matter if you are 18 or 45 getting a clean sheet at Hampden is brilliant.

“This is my third stint helping Arbroath out and I didn’t think that I would ever play but there was a discussion this week and I knew what the manager was thinking.”

He added: “I was gutted for David as it is the one position where you cannot play anywhere else. It has happened to me but he was only one of four changes that were made.

“It is the loneliest place in the world when you make a mistake, and I have a black belt in making them,” he said.

“I am going to savour this game and not just because of the clean sheet. It could be my last one. Arbroath are a great club with good people so I am pleased that I have finally been able to help them.”

Hutton is set to be recalled next weekend against Berwick Rangers in the Scottish Cup as Douglas has a prior commitment.

The visitors opened the scoring on 19 minutes when Gavin Swankie created space and shot into the top corner.

The Red Lichties doubled their lead on 55 minutes when Colin Hamilton forced the ball home from close range after on-loan Hibs debutant Scott Martin was denied.

Campbell said: “The first goal was a great goal where we showed a lot of quality.

“Big Rab did not have a save to make and we were comfortable winners.”

Veteran goalkeeper Rab Douglas enjoyed playing at Hampden.