FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

When the opening match of the 1998 World Cup finals between Brazil and Scotland gets underway on June 10 in the Stade de France, the eyes of the world will be on Brazilian striker Ronaldo. But never more than a few yards away from the world’s most expensive player will be the unmistakeable figure of Scotland’s Colin Hendry.

His shock of blond hair and imposing physique make the Blackburn central defender difficult to miss, but it is not just his appearance which will make a lasting impression on the billion-plus TV audience around the globe.

Hendry’s task will be be to contain the best player in the world and while the man they call Braveheart has been blessed with only a fraction of Ronaldo’s gifts, he remains a formidable opponent for anyone. Powerful in the air and ferocious in the tackle, Hendry is one of the most committed players ever to pull on a Scotland shirt or any football shirt for that matter.

Without ever being a dirty player, Hendry has emerged as one of the most combative and feared defenders in the English Premiership after his career finally took off when he returned to Blackburn for a second spell.

Born in the remoteness of the Highlands of Scotland, where there are no top football clubs, Hendry embodies all the tough, warrior qualities associated with the region. He began his career as a youngster with Dundee in 1983 before moving to England for a two-year spell at Blackburn Rovers between 1987 and 1989 and then on to north-west rivals Manchester City until 1991. He then returned to Blackburn at a time when owner Jack Walker’s millions were transformimg the club into a major force in English football.

Hendry established himself as the cornerstone of Blackburn’s water-tight defence and made his debut for Scotland in 1993. In 1995, he picked up a championship winning medal as Rovers won the English league title for the first time since 1914. The following season he won the club’s Player of the Season award despite the presence of England striker Alan Shearer in the side and ended the year by enhancing his reputation further with inspirational displays for Scotland in the European Championship finals.