Best of both worlds

Durie recounts tie with top talents... even if he went by Darren for day

- ANDY NEWPORT

THE last time Scotland found their name going into the World Cup hat, Gordon Durie was the lucky man handed a late invite to represent the nation on the global stage.

But what greeted him in Marseille was a sight so terrifying he was soon left worrying about another early exit.

It was 28 years ago this week FIFA decided to throw a glitzy gala exhibition clash at the Stade Velodrome ahead of the draw for France 98.

Each of the 32 participating countries had been asked to send a player to take part in a star-studded game between a European XI and a Rest of the World select.

But with just days to go before the glamour kickabout and draw ceremony, scrambling Scotland chiefs were left facing the embarrassing prospect of being the only nation not to feature.

Gary McAllister had been the original name on the teamsheet alongside a stellar cast including Zinidine Zidane, Patrick Kluivert and Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, only injury to force the midfielder to withdraw.

Celtic's Darren Jackson was the next man put forward but Parkhead boss Wim Jansen intervened to block his involvement on the grounds it would rule him out of a weekend trip to Rugby Park.

So with barely 24 hours' notice, it was Rangers frontman Durie who rode to the SFA's rescue as he agreed to play.