King Kenny: We Need New Heroes

Nov 11 2007 By Mark Guidi

Exclusive Come On Scotland 6 Days To Go

KENNY DALGLISH is fed up hearing about the good old days when he was idolised by every football fan in the country.

Scotland's most capped player and joint top scorer wants a new hero to emerge for schoolkids to namecheck in the playground.

Dalglish reckons James McFadden has the ability to be that star and produce the scintillating form he has showcased in this Euro 2008 campaign for many years to come.

And King Kenny hopes the Everton striker has another piece of magic to deliver against Italy on Saturday after recent stunning strikes against France, Ukraine and Lithuania.

Scotland legend Dalglish said: "The current generation of kids need a player to look up to. The country needs a hero.

"Guys like myself, Denis Law and Charlie Nicholas are from a generation or two ago.

"It was a pleasure to play for Scotland and score goals for my country but we need to look ahead. It's time to move on.

"If McFadden is to be the one for the kids at school to admire then that's great. James certainly has the mindset to cope with it all.

"His goal against France in Paris was a specialmoment for the whole country.

"I was in Scotland the next day to do work at grassroots level and had a spring in my step. It was great to be Scottish. I was so proud.

"Looking around me everyone was the same - chests were puffed out and shoulders held high. Faddy's goal made people from all walks of life feel good.

"We all wanted to see replays of it on the telly over and over again.

"Can you imagine what it will be like if he scores the winner against Italy?

"I hope James can continue his form and believe he has the ability and temperament to do so at the highest level."

Dalglish helped Scotland qualify for the World Cup Finals in 1974, '78 and '82. He also played his part in securing the country's place at the '86 finals in Mexico but didn't go to the tournament.

However, he never performed in a Euro Championships and hopes Alex McLeish's current stars can achieve that by defeating Italy to make it to Switzerland and Austria next summer.

Kenny said: "When the draw was made it looked such a difficult task.

"Credit to the players for the work they have put in and the results they've achieved.

"It now comes down to needing a victory against Italy and Scotland can do it. We have players capable of winning games and stopping the opposition from scoring.

"If Scotland qualify from this section it has to rank up there with anything the national team has achieved.

"Italy will know they are in a game and there will be no tip-toeing from the Scotland players. They will be in their opponents' faces and making sure the Italians don't have time to settle on the ball or get into a rhythm.

"Italy have class in Andrea Pirlo and a presence up front in Luca Toni.

"Gigi Buffon is one of the best keepers in the business. But it's not an impossible ask. However, should the win not be achieved the players must still hold their heads high and receive plenty of praise.

"They've had some incredible results and that shouldn't be forgotten."

Dalglish also praised the SFA for getting the past two managerial appointments right after the Berti Vogts farce that saw the country placed below the likes of Burkina Faso, Syria and United Arab Emirates in the FIFAworld rankings three years ago.

Kenny said: "There was a real low point in 2004 when we were below Burkina Faso. Could anyone have imagined we would have improved so much in such a short space of time and now sit 13th in the rankings?

"The SFA deserve credit for appointing Walter Smith then Alex.

"To avoid more embarrassment the right managers had to be put in place and that's what happened. Walter win not be achieved the players must still hold their heads high and receive plenty of praise.

"They've had some incredible results and that shouldn't be forgotten."

Dalglish also praised the SFA for getting the past two managerial appointments right after the Berti Vogts farce that saw the country placed below the likes of Burkina Faso, Syria and United Arab Emirates in the FIFAworld rankings three years ago.

Kenny said: "There was a real low point in 2004 when we were below Burkina Faso. Could anyone have imagined we would have improved so much in such a short space of time and now sit 13th in the rankings?

"The SFA deserve credit for appointing Walter Smith then Alex.

"To avoid more embarrassment the right managers had to be put in place and that's what happened. Walter started it all and made sure there was togetherness off the park and organisation on it. Alex has built on that.

"Credibility has been restored and people are enjoying their football.

Players are desperate to be selected for the squad and fans are fighting to get tickets. We should savour these times and work hard to ensure they continue."

Dalglish will not be at Hampden on Saturday as he will be on holiday in Las Vegas with wife Marina.

But he will find a telly and sit down to enjoy the game, hopefully witnessing something special.

He said: "I'd have loved to have been there but I'm in the States.

"I will be asking around to find somewhere to watch the game and I'm sure there will be a few Scots out there at the time with the same idea.

"My fingers are crossed that Alex and his players get the victory. They deserve to qualify from this section."