AMY MACDONALD

The singer-songwriter on her tournament curse, praise from Messi and meeting Denis Irwin at a skiing championship

-  Chris Flanagan

What was the first Scotland game you ever went to?

Estonia at Tynecastle in the late '90s. My dad took my sister and I - it was the first time that I'd been in a stadium for a match and I was buzzing for it. Hampden Park was being refurbished so Scotland were playing in different stadiums, which was great - I also went to Pittodrie and Celtic Park.

Did you play football growing up?

My sister managed to work her way into the boys' team at school. I never played though, I would've been terrible. I've got a fear of footballs flying towards my face, which happens a lot in Scotland...

Who was your childhood footballing hero and did you ever meet them?

Ally McCoist - I've met him a few times now. A lovely guy! I sat next to him at a Noel Gallagher concert at the Hydro in Glasgow, he was there with his sons. It was funny because he's so recognisable - Joe Hart was there too, but everyone was only interested in speaking to Ally!

You've sung the national anthem before quite a few Scotland games. What were those experiences like?

The first time I was asked was a friendly against Argentina. Diego Maradona was their manager so I was standing on the sideline, waiting to go on, and he was stood right next to me! It was the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever done - you're tasked with keeping everybody in time, but it's impossible to keep football fans in time! The buzz you get though, with everyone singing, then hearing the roar, it's an incredible feeling.

What's the funniest thing you've seen at a football game?