Scotland win battle to have European Championships upped to 24 teams

Jun 29 2008

SCOTLAND last night won their battle to increase the number of European Championship finalists to 24.

UEFA's executive committee will rubber-stamp the change in September after none of the 53 member countries meeting in Vienna yesterday opposed the move.

Euro 2016 will have eight more teams taking part and the news thrilled SFA chief executive Gordon Smith.

He said: "It will make the qualifying competition more attractive as more teams come into the mix and that will keep the groups alive longer. Under the proposed new regulations we would have qualified."

UEFA president Michel Platini said: "I am not worried about the quality by increasing the number of teams."

Meanwhile, Scotland's bid to snatch Euro 2012 from Poland and Ukraine is in tatters after UEFA secretly guaranteed the tournament won't be moved.

Adam Lazuka of the Polish FA said: "We have been reassured there is no plan to take Euro 2012 back."

AIRDRIE new boy Paul Di Giacomo wants to repay boss Kenny Black for showing faith in him.

Black pulled out all the stops to sign the injury plagued 26-year-old after he left Kilmarnock.

And Di Giacomo said: "I must prove I can play week in, week out. I liked what Kenny had to say and wanted to play for him.

"I could have held off and got a contract in the SPL but wanted first-team football."

FORMER Hibs star Craig Rocastle admits he would relish a move to Kilmarnock.

The Rugby Park outfit have been in touch with the freed Port Vale midfielder.

And the 26-year-old said: "I would like to go up there because I really enjoyed my time at Hibs."

THE Tartan Army can snap up tickets from this week for the Hampden friendly with Northern Ireland on August 20.

Prices have been cut to £15 and £20 while adults can take a child along for £15.

Supporters Club members can get one guaranteed brief from Tuesday by phoning 08444 815660 or going to www.scotlandsupportersclub.com.

A public sale will start on July 30.

KIDS looking for football thrills this summer can sign up for a Rangers residential camp.

They take place from July 6-11 and August 3-8 in Glasgow and cost £375.