FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram announced Tuesday that is quitting international football with immediate effect. His shock decision came just 15 days before the Scots’ opening World Cup match against holders Brazil in Paris. The 34-year-old Rangers ‘keeper was heading home from the squad’s training camp in the United States after making his sensational announcement.

Goram said he had made the decision because of recent allegations regarding his private life.

He told the Press Association that he felt it was in the best interests of the squad that he returned to Scotland and let his teammates prepare in peace for the finals in France.

Goram has been a regular in the Scotland team for several years. He began his career with Oldham before moving to Hibernian. He then joined Rangers in June 1991 and has been an unqualified success with club and country.

Goram was first choice for Scotland during Euro ‘96, but his private life has always been the subject of controversy and he is likely to leave Rangers in the summer.

SFA President Jack McGinn applauded Goram for his contribution to Scotland.

McGinn said: “He leaves with the best wishes of the Association and everyone connected with the squad. We ask that his wishes about his privacy be respected. “We all appreciate his contribution to Scotland throughout his international career.” 

Jim Leighton will now take over the No.1 mantle for the World Cup finals with Wimbledon’s Neil Sullivan the back-up ‘keeper. It is expected that Celtic’s Jonathan Gould will fly into the States later this week to join the Scotland squad ahead of their World Cup warm-up game against the United States in Washington on Saturday. The Scots face Brazil, Morocco and Norway in Group A of the World Cup finals.