WE'LL BE POLE DANCERS

GOAL hero Calum Elliot last night insisted Scotland's brilliant babes have what it takes to beat Spain and go down in a blaze of European Championship glory in Poland.

The Hearts hotshot netted a second-half winner against the Czech Republic to send Archie Gemmill's Under-19s into Saturday's showdown with the favourites.

But Elliot admitted the loss of his suspended sidekick Steven Fletcher is a bitter blow which has taken some of the shine off the triumph. He said: "We'll struggle to get a better chance to win a European Championship. We all stand on the verge of greatness.

"It's a relief to get my first of the tournament but it was more important to get us through to the Final. Everyone is delighted.

"We had a few chances before the break but hopefully we can give Spain a better game than we did the last time, when we lost 4-0.

"We rose to the occasion and it's a great achievement but now we want to win it.

"Everybody hoped we could go all the way but in our hearts I don't think we really believed it.

"I've been getting stronger and the performances have been getting better as the tournament has gone on.

"It's a massive disappointment losing Steven for the Final as his goals and overall play have played a huge part in getting us here.

"We will appeal it as it's been an injustice and hopefully justice will prevail."

Fletcher, who was unfairly cautioned in the fifth minute by French ref Herve Piccirillo for diving, has given up hope of a UEFA reprieve but claims his mates can still lift the trophy without him.

He said: "I'm happy for the boys in getting to the Final but obviously I would rather be playing in it. However, that's life and I'll get on with it.

"I was falling seconds before I got into the penalty area and there was no way I could keep my balance.

"We will appeal it but there's no chance of them changing their minds. I was trying to stay away from making any bad challenges and then the referee goes and books me for that.

"After all the hard work I'm gutted and I'd love to stay and support the squad in the final but Hibs pay my wages so it's up to my gaffer if they want me back.

"We're not a one-man team as we proved tonight and there is no doubt we can win it."

Jubilant boss Gemmill couldn't contain his joy at reaching Scotland's first final in 24 years.

They lifted the European trophy in 1982 and Gemmill said: "I am so pleased for the players as it was our best display so far.

"It's a magnificent achievement and I won't be cracking open a bottle of champagne tonight - it will be six bottles."

Taken from the Daily Record