Scotland call-off stars let their country down because me and McCoist would still play if asked

Sun columnist roared the Dark Blues on to victory last night but 'injured' and missing stars still get his blood boiling

PLAYING for your country is the pinnacle of any footballer’s career.

So I’m gutted that the number of players who made themselves unavailable for the gaffer Alex McLeish last week hit double digits.

I’m sure a couple of them are genuine but there’s also a number who need to think long and hard about their commitment to the shirt.

I don’t have to tell people that my own Scotland career was a disappointment.

Even at the peak of my powers, then manager Sir Alex Ferguson used to overlook me.

When it was all said and done, I finished with five international caps.

But I tell you what, if Big Eck called me up to the squad right now I’d still put on my boots and run myself into the ground for my country.

I might not score and I might only last 15 minutes but I guarantee I’d show a lot more passion than some of these no-shows.

Players can make all the excuses they want but they don’t wash.

Myself and Ally McCoist were talking just last week about how different the game is these days.

Neither of us could remember too many games when we were actually 100 per cent fully fit.

There was usually some kind of tweak, strain, ache or pain.

But neither of us would ever refuse to wear that navy blue jersey unless there was no other option.

If some of the boys can’t be bothered they need to take a look at themselves in the mirror.

It’s not about the players liking the manager.

It’s about the players and punters and the special bond they share when you play for Scotland.

I didn’t like Andy Roxburgh when he called me up.

I thought he was more schoolteacher than manager and hated when he told me to pull my socks up so he could see the Umbro badge.

But no matter who the manager is, you never turn your back on your country.

Players grow up dreaming about playing for Scotland.

The faithful supporters never let down the players so they shouldn’t be disappointing them.

It must feel like the weight of the world is on the shoulders of the manager Alex McLeish, pictured above, right now.

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