FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template
Celtic captain Tom Boyd is determined to help put an end to Scotland’s failure to get past the first round in the World Cup finals.
“There is a problem, in that we have performed well every tournament but each time have ended as glorious losers,” he explained Saturday. “We don’t want that same stigma attached to us. We know we played well in qualifying, now making the second round has to be the aim.” If Scotland are to find a route to the second phase for the first time in what is now their eighth Finals, Boyd recognises he has a major role to play.
He is part of manager Craig Brown’s established three-man backline, alongside Blackburn’s Colin Hendry and Tottenham’s Colin Calderwood, which offers Scotland a solid foundation.
During the World Cup qualifying campaign, the Scots conceded just three goals and Boyd is confident in the understanding he has with his defensive colleagues.
“For the most part, I have been in there with the two Colins Hendry and Calderwood, and we have done very well together,” said Boyd. “I think it is Craig Brown’s idea for us to get back together and get the defensive structure right, which is essential if we are to qualify.”
Boyd admits prospects have been boosted by the loss of Brazil striker Romario, but he is under no illusions about the scale of the task that remains.
He added: “As one of those who would have been directly up against Romario, his loss has to be viewed as a bonus. But we know they have an enormous depth of talent, so in a way it does help us, but they will probably bring in someone just as good. He and Ronaldo had a fine partnership together and they worked for each other. That I would say is the biggest part of it, because that partnership will now be split up.”
Boyd appreciates that Scotland’s tournament record is a source of concern among the Tartan Army, but promises the players’ have a quiet resolve to make history.
He also insisted that Scotland must achieve their potential at France 98 to restore the nation’s damaged footballing reputation. Boyd believes more than pride has been hurt following the recent defeats of Scottish club sides in European competition. The 32-year-old defender, poised to collect his 56th cap in Wednesday’s World Cup opener against Brazil, fears the Scots’ international standing is under threat.
It is now more than 20 years since Celtic’s famous 1967 European Cup victory, and since then and both they and Glasgow rivals Rangers have struggled to impose themselves on the European stage. Last season Celtic were creditable losers against Liverpool, but Rangers failed to reach the Champions’ League courtesy of Gothenburg, then Strasbourg swiftly ended their UEFA Cup hopes. With Boyd’s title-winning Parkhead outfit aiming to qualify for Champions’ League action next month, he views World Cup progress as vital to that cause.
He said: “There is a gulf between international and club level, that is without question. You just have to look at the results we have had in Europe. “In recent years it has been nothing short of deplorable, but as a nation getting all the best players together, we have performed. We’re leading the way, and hopefully the clubs can follow – we can spark them to improve by doing well here.”