Pressley hails fun and Scots spirit under Walter's rule

PAUL KIDDIE

STEVEN Pressley today claimed that Scotland boss Walter Smith has put the fun back into international football.

The former Rangers and Everton manager succeeded Berti Vogts at the turn of the year and has already initiated a marked upturn in the national team's fortunes. Gorgie stopper Pressley was installed as Vogts' main man at the centre of the Scots defence during his ill-fated time in charge but even the Hearts captain was forced to admit it became difficult to soldier on towards the end of the German's reign.

"I think it's clear things are moving in the right direction under Walter Smith and that is encouraging for everyone," he said. "Towards the end of Berti Vogts' reign the enjoyment of representing your country was not there as much as previously.

"The more pressure he came under, the less enjoyable it became. But we have built up that spirit and belief again under Walter and the enjoyment is back."

Suspension will force Pressley to watch tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Italy from the main stand at Hampden Park - he was booked against the Italians in the San Siro and also against Belarus in June - and is well aware his one-match ban could wreck his chances of returning for the second part of his country's crucial double-header against Norway in Oslo on Wednesday evening.

"I was obviously aware I was on a booking after the Italy game in the San Siro but sometimes as a defender it is difficult to avoid cautions," he said.

"It is a huge disappointment for me as Italy at Hampden Park is a very special day. I have been involved in games there against Holland and Germany and they were great experiences and I would have loved to have been involved against Italy tomorrow.

"But it's a fact of life in football and it's a squad game and someone else will now get there chance."

The Tartan Army will be demanding a win to keep their hopes alive of making it to Germany next year.

Pressley, though, believes not all will be lost if the Scots fail to register a home victory. He said: "I think that irrespective of the result against Italy we have to win in Oslo against Norway. If we can do that then we'll still have an opportunity of qualifying."

Taken from the Scotsman