JOHN ROWBOTHAM believes Scottish Cup Final referee Dougie McDonald is the perfect man to lead our officials back on to the world stage.

McDonald will take charge of tomorrow's clash between Hearts and Gretna in his first Hampden final as the next generation of whistlers prepare to make the step up.

Rowbotham followed Hugh Dallas and Willie Young into retirement last year after Celtic's Scottish Cup Final win over Dundee United, leaving us without an official at this summer's World Cup finals.

But after making a return to Celtic Park and Ibrox in midweek to lead out two sets of fans who had made it to the final of Carling Play On The Park, he tipped McDonald and Co for a bright future.

Rowbotham said: "Going back to Parkhead and Ibrox was a trip down memory lane for me and I think it was an amazing experience for the fans to play on the park.

"They were great at welcoming me back into the game but just because the likes of myself, Hugh and Willie have all retired doesn't mean that we're missing refs.

"There is a new generation breaking through and Dougie is at the forefront of that. He's got his first major final and I have already e-mailed him to tell him to enjoy the occasion.

"Getting to Hampden is the pinnacle for most players and it's also the same for the man in the middle and Dougie can handle it all.

"He's now established as one of the top referees in Scotland and is down for European ties. I'm sure also he'll be on his way to world finals before long.

"We've been unfortunate not to be picked to officiate in Germany but there are guys like Dougie and Willie Collum who can take charge of those games in the future.

"Willie is only 26 but he's already been placed on the international list and that should tell you he has abright future in the game."

Rowbotham will be a mere observer as McDonald runs the show in front of a near sell-out crowd on Saturday.

He said: "I still officiate at amateur level and I'm happy to give something back into the game.

"The top level is now about guys like Dougie and while he should savour every moment of the final I hope he doesn't get noticed - because then no one will be questioning his afternoon's work."

Taken from the Daily Record