I fear for another Scotland hard-luck story, admits Martin Buchan

Oct 19 2008 By Gavin Berry

MARTIN BUCHAN has suffered the heartache of featuring in two hard luck stories for Scotland at the World Cup.

Now the former Manchester United star hopes we aren't in line for another before the finals even take place.

After midweek defeats for Norway and Macedonia, George Burley's men have a great chance of claiming second place in Group Nine.

But they could still suffer the pain of missing out on a place in South Africa as only eight group runners-up will claim a play-off spot.

And Scotland currently have the worst record of the nine teams sitting second in their groups.

Buchan insists that would be a cruel end to the campaign - and he knows all about the agony it would bring after being knocked out of the 1974 and 1978 World Cups on goal difference.

He said: "We deserve a bit of luck and I still remember the disappointment of 1974 and 1978.

"I haven't recovered from the embarrassment of going round Hampden on a bus before the World Cup in Argentina.

"A send-off like that is the last thing you want as a player. If you do well and get a good reception after coming back then that's fair enough - but not before.

"I would have liked to progress to the second stage at least once.

"It used to be a standing joke when I was going to the World Cup - the foreigners in United's dressing-room would say: 'You can book your holidays for the second week in July'."

The highlight of Scotland's ill-fated 1978 campaign was a thrilling win over Holland in the final group game. And Buchan insists there's no reason why Burley's side can't shock the Dutch again in these qualifiers.

He said: "Expectations have always been unreasonably high.

"For a little nation we should be celebrating the fact we punch above our weight.

"We should just celebrate if we finish second - even better if it's good enough for the play-offs.

"Butwe shouldn't be giving up the Holland games and writing ourselves off before the battle."

National boss Burley faced flak after last week's draw with Norway and Rangers striker Kris Boyd has claimed he won't play for Scotland under his reign.

But Buchan said: "I played against George when he was at Ipswich Town and I'm not one to criticise managers.

"I take my hat off to them because when I had my chance at Burnley I lasted four months.

"I didn't have the qualities you need. You must try to discover that and George has had a good managerial career."