Don't write off Scotland, warns Holland star Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

Aug 31 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

FORMER Rangers hero Giovanni van Bronckhorst will never underestimate Scotland.

After spending three years here he knows better than most what this little nation of ours is capable of.

And that's why the newly-appointed Holland captain laughs when he hears us being tagged as 'underdogs'.

As the Dutch prepare to do battle with us in Group Nine of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign van Bronckhorst's men are being mentioned as clear favourites.

After their displays at Euro 2008, where they outclassed Italy and France, Gio and gaffer Bert van Marwijk have reason to be optimistic.

But van Bronckhorst has warned everyone in the Dutch camp not to be fooled by George Burley's side and that could be bad news for Scotland.

The 33-year-old, who will retire after the World Cup campaign, insists we are no longer a surprise package after our historic victories over the French in our Euro 2008 campaign.

Gio said: "I'm looking forward to the games against Scotland. I had some good years there and I'm usually warmly welcomed back.

"Although the last time I played there we lost 1-0 in a Euro 2004 play-off.

"At home we won 6-0 but it's never easy to win at Hampden.

"Over the years Scotland have proved they get good results against top teams - like France and Italy.

"But that's better for us because we go into games against them now knowing what they are capable of.

"Scotland play better as underdogs but after their results in recent seasons I don't think anyone thinks of them like that any more.

"There are few teams you could say that about these days. There are always results that surprise you.

"Hopefully there will be no surprises when we play Scotland in March."

Van Bronckhorst faced up to old foes Celtic in pre-season when his club Feyenoord invited the Hoops to their Jubilee Tournament.

After seeing the likes of Paul Hartley, he's well aware of the problems Scotland could pose the Dutch.

But he wouldn't bet against another Hoops star being Holland's match-winner.

He said: "Celtic are a team who have performed well in Scotland and Europe.

"Hartley has been playing just in front of the defence and is an important player for Scotland.

"Barry Ferguson is also a key man for the Scots.

"Hopefully we'll have Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink available for the Scotland games though, as he's a big player for Holland."