Kenny swapped studying for sunshine with Scotland
A few Premiership teams managed to get away for a bit of warm weather during the winter break in Scotland.
But most of the players have been left shivering at home.
Back in 1974, a group of promising youngsters got a bit of winter sunshine in Gran Canaria.
A Scotland Under-18 side travelled to take part in the Copa Del Atlantico in Las Palmas.
The squad that was picked contained men who went on to play for the full national team, including David Narey and George Burley.
Most of the players had no great problem being released by their club for international duty.
But Dunfermline winger Kenny Watson had another thing to take care of.
He recalled: “I was studying to become a dentist and had to arrange time off university.
“Going to play in the tournament with a group of top players was a great experience.
“I found playing at international level easier than playing club football.
“I went back to Las Palmas on a cruise ship last year and it was amazing to see the beach where a group of young Scottish footballers were fooling around 50 years ago.”
The Scots drew all three of their games – against Yugoslavia, Austria and a local select.
Kenny was in the blue of Scotland again later that year.
He said: “We played in the European Championship in Sweden and finished third.
“Andy Gray was with our team and I remember him being the centre of attention with locals.
“We beat Greece in the third/fourth place play-off and I still have the shirt I swapped at the end of the game.
“In fact, I have a Scotland shirt, the Greece shirt and a Bulgaria one framed and on my wall. I have no idea where my dentistry degree is.
“I was looked at for the Scotland Under21 team when Clydebank came to play Dunfermline.
“I had a stinker that day and, not surprisingly, Davie Cooper was picked.”
Kenny made his debut for Dunfermline in a 1-0 win over Falkirk in September 1973.
An early outing in his professional career saw him rubbing shoulders, unexpectedly, with some real legends.
He said: “There was a testimonial fundraising game in honour of John Lunn, who had passed away.
“I didn’t expect to be playing and was working on my fitness inside the ground by lifting weights.
“At half-time, the manager, George Miller, said: ‘Flash, you’re going on.
“I was amazed. I replaced Andy Penman and went on to face Sandy Jardine in the Old Firm select.
“I was right-footed but I made sure I could also kick with my left foot. I started on the right wing but when Jackie Sinclair came back to the club I moved over to the other side.
“One of my other Dunfermline memories is being taken on a pre-season trip when I was about 15 or 16. Jim Leishman was my roommate and that was quite something!”
Kenny went on to play more than 100 times for the Pars over five years and scored 14 goals.
But in 1978 he took the decision to leave professional football.
He said: “I was offered a good job as a dentist in Cornwall and left Dunfermline.
“There was interest from Bristol City and Hereford United, but I never played in senior football again.
“It was the right decision to make for my career, but also one that I regret in some ways.
“I did play in the Western League for Barnstaple Town and for Bideford. That was just for enjoyment.
“I’m 68 now and I still play 5-a-side football games.
“I was approached by the England walking football team but had to refuse their invitation.”