Hodgson's heroes

Colin Hendry and Kevin Gallacher were expected to line up against the world champions today, with Billy McKinlay due to secure a place on the bench.

And their Blackburn Rovers manager boss has every confidence that the three players will do their club proud on the biggest stage of all.

"I am sure they will all acquit themselves well," said Hodgson.

"I think the three Scottish lads will play an integral part in Scotland's plans.

"And I think Scotland will do well.

"It's a great experience for all of them, a highlight of their career.

"They are also the right men to appreciate it because they are such serious football people."

And Scotland captain Hendry today reflected on his side's mission improbable against Brazil and insisted: "We can achieve the unachievable."

The France 98 tournament opener in Paris St Denis is the greatest match in Scotland's footballing history, but Rovers hero Hendry remains undaunted by the challenge. Having viewed the stunning Stade de France venue for the clash, he pledged to rise to the occasion and take the Scots to what he admits will have to be another level.

The 32-year-old central defender is confident he and his fellow defenders can negate the threat of Inter Milan superstar Ronaldo.

Manager Craig Brown last night promised to attack Brazil, as just defending against them would invite punishment, and Hendry feels that aim is realistic - as is a positive outcome.

He said: "We do respect the fact Brazil are world champions and it will be a difficult game to play in, but we've got confidence and belief in ourselves. Deep down inside I'm a confident person, I know what I can achieve and what I'm capable of.

"It is a game in which there will be a series of personal battles all over the pitch and if the players can win those we might win the war.

"I want to be professional and do what I do week in, week out on a much bigger stage and try to be successful.

"I honestly think we can reach the next stage of the competition, if we didn't think that we wouldn't bother turning up.

"Success breeds success, the more you get the more you want and I think if we fortunate enough to make the next round we would have got enough to succeed game by game."

Yet Hendry now senses the time for talking is over and Scotland must focus their minds on tonight's match and, perhaps more significantly, those which follow it.

Hendry reckons it is essential that his side generate momentum from the first game, but even if defeated tonight the second round would remain firmly within grasp.

He added: "It is not won and lost on one game, the initial match, to be fair. If we can take anything at all that will put us in good stead. It would be a wise man to bet against Brazil not qualifying.

"It is now a question of before and after, a lot of the questions put now will only be answered during the game.

"Two or three years ago I think the players didn't think it was possible, it means so much to each of us.

"Possibly things have been tried out in the Denmark and Finland games and our performances were not as good as they were in America when we saw the return of Tom and Colin alongside me.

"These are players who have played there all along and we have a natural understanding between us, when you have played in that situation for a long time.

"I just look after myself and try to look after the Scotland squad, we want to continue our hard work."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.