Everton pal drove me mad talking up McFadden, admits Norway star John Arne Riise

Oct 5 2008 By Gavin Berry

JOHN ARNE RIISE was constantly reminded how good James McFadden is because his Everton-daft pal loved the Scotland hero.

Now the Norwegian ace is desperately hoping McFadden doesn't show exactly why his mate was such a huge admirer of the Tartan Army favourite.

Riise played on the opposite side of the Merseyside divide during his seven years with Liverpool while the Scotland man was at city rivals Everton.

They have both moved on since then with Riise now at Roma and Faddy at Birmingham City but are set to cross swords again when Norway visit Hampden on Saturday.

Former Anfield hero Riise said: "My best mate in Liverpool, Lee Martin is an Everton fan and McFadden was his hero.

"I didn't see his wonder goal against France but I've heard all about it - especially from Lee!

"Lee never asked me to get him one of McFadden's Everton shirts whenever I played against him for Liverpool.

"I don't think he likes to ask me for anything for himself so maybe I should try to get him McFadden's Scotland shirt.

"I have to do something for him because I don't see him much now I'm playing for Roma - I have to give him some kind of mementoas he's a great friend.

"James is at Birmingham now in the Championship but he is a Premiership-standard player.

"He should be playing in the top flight but he showed respect to Birmingham and himself when he stayed in the summer.

"McFadden is a great player, a really clever striker but I don't just rateMcFadden - I rate the WHOLE Scotland team. They are excellent and very strong.

"McFadden always stood out for me. He's clever with good technique and can score goals.

"He has never beaten me in an Everton shirt. The only time they beat us, he wasn't playing!"

Riise sampled one of the best atmospheres in Europe with Anfield's famous crowd but admitted the passion of the Scots blows him away.

The full-back has played against Scottish opposition on a number of occasions and said: "Scottish fans are unbelievable. I played against Rangers and St Johnstone with Monaco.

"Any game against Rangers stays in your mind because of the fans. I was fortunate enough at Liverpool to play Celtic and their fans were also incredible.

"To walk out at Celtic Park was amazing. Henrik Larsson was playing after a long time out injured. He came out on his own and the roar was just awesome.

"Everyone knows the special atmosphere at Anfield on European nights but the passion and atmosphere created at Celtic Park or Ibrox is very similar.

"Liverpool fans would give anyone a run for their money but the Scottish supporters take some beating!

"It's impossible to separate the three, other than to say I love playing at these grounds in front of really special fans.

"I've heard Scotland have plans at Hampden for the World Cup qualifiers, to create an even better atmosphere before kick-off.

"That's fine by me. That's why I play football, to experience these things.

"Rangers took hundreds of thousands of fans to Manchester for the UEFA Cup Final which just shows that Scottish football fans are exceptional.

"It's a shame the Scottish fans haven't been at the finals of a major tournament for 10 years.

"I want us both to go through this time and play in South Africa - there's no doubt the Tartan Army deserve it.

"For the Scottish players to have that backing every time they pull on their shirt must be unbelievable. We can't wait to go to Hampden and sample that amazing atmosphere again."