Scott: Big Jan's man for Dutch

Jun 1 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

FORMER Scotland striker Scott Booth insists old pal Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink will prove the key to Holland's bid for European Championship glory.

Booth believes the Dutch have a fantastic chance of winning Euro 2008 and is tipping the Celtic frontman to shine.

The 36-year-old ex-Aberdeen star played with Vennegoor of Hesselink at FC Twente during his time in Holland and has always been an admirer of the big forward.

And even though Hesselink is behind Ruud van Nistelrooy and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the pecking order up front for the Netherlands the 29-year-old has already proved to be a key player for the Oranje coming off the bench.

Booth is adamant the Dutch, who are drawn with France, Italy and Romania, have what it takes to escape the Group of Death and that Marco van Basten's side will then have every chance of going on to win the trophy.

Scott said: "I really fancy Holland to do well.

"They have got their usual flair and one or two players who could really shine at the Championships.

"I expect big Jan to play his part as well.

"In one of their last friendlies he came off the bench to set up the equaliser then scored the winner.

"It's important to have a player like Jan. He may not start games but Holland can bring him on and change to a more aerial game.

"This could be the end of the 'total football' era for Holland because they are far more direct now.

"They've never gone for a big target man like Jan before - they have preferred guys like Van Basten who love to link-up and run the channels.

"Even Ruud Gullit wasn't one for holding it up and playing others in which Jan is so good at and he could be really important for them."

Along with Holland, Booth expects Germany to be a major threat but the TV pundit is also convinced Spain will finally get it together at a major championship.

Scott, who spent three years at Borussia Dortmund, insists the mentality of the German players will help make up for their lack of flair.

He said: "Germany will be difficult to beat. They have a couple of star men but don't have enough flair.

"Even German legend Ottmar Hitzfeld admits they're just a collective unit but that may not be a bad thing. Look at Greece in 2004.

"The Germans also have such a fantastic winning mentality at tournaments.

"They're so organised off the pitch and methodical on it. It's built into their mindset that they believe they can win every tournament.

"But overall Holland and Spain are the two for me.

"I've watched a lot of Spanish football and they're a more rounded team now.

"They have flair players in Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas but they've got a real team ethic now. Guys like Xavi and Iniestia do a great job for the team."