PAUL HARTLEY'S first memory of a World Cup is as a five-year-old when he watched Scotland lose 4-1 to Brazil at the 1982 Finals in Spain.

Hartley was in awe of Zico and the Samba legend got him hooked on the beautiful game.

From then on the glamour tournament could not come quickly enough for young Paul. In 1986 Diego Maradona became his hero and in 1990 Italy striker Toto Schillaci was his main man.

Now Hartley has emerged as a star, one of the most consistent players for Hearts and Scotland.

And he'll be at the World Cup Finals taking in games as a columnist for MailSport.

Germany will be Paul's first time at the greatest tournament of all and he's as excited now as he was 24 years ago in his parents' front room, watching that memorable game in Seville.

Hartley said: "I have a feeling these finals will be the best ever. There are so many world-class players on show, so many entertainers, that it can't fail to capture the imagination of every fan and have them totally hooked.

"This will be my first time at the Finals and I'm looking forward to being there for MailSport.

"I can't wait to mix with fans from the different nations and just sample the atmosphere in and around the grounds on matchdays.

"It doesn't seem so long ago that I watched Scotland take on Brazil in Spain. I was on my feet cheering as David Narey scored with his 'toe-poke' but the moment that really sticks in my mind is Zico hitting the free-kick that left Alan Rough rooted to the spot.

"It makes me laugh to think some people still call me by my nickname of 'Zico' from my schooldays!

"That Brazil team was possibly as good as any side I can remember. Zico, Socrates, Junior, Eder and Falcao.

"They were brilliant yet didn't even win the tournament. Italy knocked them out in a cracking game that finished 3-2. Paolo Rossi's goals took Italy all the way to victory against Germany in the Final.

"In 1986 in Mexico, Maradona as good as won the Cup on his own for Argentina. He was unbelievable. His second goal against England was one of the greatest ever seen.

"The sight of Paul Gascoigne crying when he knew he would be suspended for the 1990 Final if England made it through sticks in my mind from Italia 90.

"Murdo MacLeod being left dazed by Branco's rocket free-kick is also one of the first things I think of from that summer.

"Schillaci's goals were also so enjoyable. He was a guy who came right out of nowhere to being a national hero in Italy, a household name all over the world. I have a feeling this summer will see Ronaldinho enhance his mighty reputation.

"Every kid will be out on the street pretending to be him over the next few weeks, just as I was doing my level best to copy Zico all those years ago."

Hartley hopes that four years from now he will go from being a spectator to a performer in the 2010 Finals in South Africa.

He said: "The last World Cup Scotland qualified for was in France eight years ago. I can't believe it's been that long since the country was involved in a major finals.

"I might never get a chance to play in a World Cup. If I'm realistic I have one crack left and even then I might not be around.

"I'll be 33 when South Africa comes along and we'll wait and see.

"With guys from the national squad like Barry Ferguson, Darren Fletcher, Steven Pressley and Kenny Miller never having been to the big ones we are determined to end the dreadful run of non-appearances.

"It's not so long ago that Scotland qualifying for major finals was taken for granted.

"They made it to five tournaments on the trot with stars such as Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Danny McGrain, Joe Jordan and Billy Bremner. It's a depressing situation but one Walter Smith and the players want to put an end to."

Hartley at least can count on his experience of being a hamper boy for Scotland at Euro 96 in England.

He was one of six lucky young professional footballers asked to help out with the kit and fill in at training sessions when called on by team boss Craig Brown.

Paul said: "Grant Brebner (Manchester United), Marc Anthony (Celtic), Michael Craig (Aberdeen), Colin Meldrum (Kilmarnock) and Jamie Buchan (Aberdeen) were all there and we had a great time.

"I was just 18 and playing for Hamilton Accies. Manager Iain Munro phoned and asked if I wanted to go to help out and I was delighted.

"We all had four players to look after and I was in 'charge' of Stuart McCall, Kevin Gallagher, John Spencer and Derek Whyte. They were all really good to me.

"I was in the dressing-room at Wembley hanging up the strips the day we lost 2-1 to England.

"I stood on the turf before the game started.

"It was an incredibled experience.

"It was just a pity we lost the match and the penalty miss by Gary McAllister had to happen on that day of all days.

"But there were Scotland highs in that tournament too - beating Switzerland at Villa Park and drawing with Holland 0-0 in the opening game of the section.

"Andy Goram was outstanding that afternoon. Craig Brown had great players and a great team spirit.

"He had guys like Ally McCoist, John Collins, Tommy Boyd, Colin Hendry, Gordon Durie, McAllister. It was a right good side.

"I'm just so proud of managing to work my way up from being a hamper boy to a full Scotland player.

"And I hope to win many more caps over the next few years.

"To do that I will need to keep on playing well for Hearts and that is my aim.

"I hope one day to get the chance to sample a major tournament for real but just being in Germany for this one will do me for now.

"It's going to be a memorable World Cup and it will be great to be there and get a wee taste of it all for the first time."

Taken from the Sunday Mail