Alan Combe has given up hope of ever representing his country at senior level following his omission from the latest Scotland squad.
The Kilmarnock goalie continues the fine form he displayed in the latter part of last season and would have been forgiven for hoping he has played his way into Alex McLeish's plans.
The national team manager named a pool of 22 players for next week's friendly against South Africa at Pittodrie, in preparation for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Lithuania and France.
However, there is no place once again for Combe, who was an unused substitute against Nigeria in 2002 and Sweden 2 years later.
"Nothing will happen now," he said. "I could have liked even only one cap. I wish I had got only one wee chance to get on the pitch, only to sample it. I have got a B cap and I was on the bench against Nigeria at Pittodrie and Sweden at Easter Road. Those are the only 2 times I have been involved. I thought I maybe had a wee shout at Dundee United, when I was doing well there, however nothing came about then so I think the door is firmly shut. If it ever happened, I would never turn it down. However, I think it is firmly in the past now."
At 33, Combe is far from ready to hang up his gloves anytime soon.
But he is keenly aware that those who are the mainstays of the Scotland set up, Craig Gordon, Allan McGregor, David Marshall and Neil Alexander, are all men still in their 20s.
He added, "I do not consider myself to be old, I am only 33, however the young boys coming through have done very well. Allan McGregor is in the team and he has done exceptionally well over the last year so he deserves it. And they have got big Marsh in there as well."
If there are any positives to be derived from a lack of international football, time and energy to devote to club matters is one of them.
Now fully-fit following a hip/thigh injury which baffled medics for a period last term, Combe is determined to lead from the back as Kilmarnock chase their 3rd consecutive top 6 finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
"That is what we will be focusing on," he mentioned ahead of Saturday's game at Motherwell.
"We have done exceptionally well for the last 2 years on the budget the gaffer was given, the boys are working extremely hard for each other. We got a bonus last year by getting to the CIS Insurance Cup final, albeit it finished horribly, so if we would get a top 6 finish again and another wee cup run, we will be happy."
The departure of Graeme Smith to Rangers in the summer prompted manager Jim Jefferies to add further back up to Combe and Chad Harpur in the shape of French goalie Damien Rascle.
"You require the competition," pointed out Combe. "The big man came to Italy with us for a few days [pre season] and did very well. Myself and Chad Harpur will welcome the challenge, he keeps us on our toes. We know he is ready to step in if require be."
17 August 2007
Jim Jefferies thinks Motherwell have reaped the rewards of having a new manager at the helm after their early form catapulted them to joint top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
But the Kilmarnock manager has instructed his players to ensure Mark McGhee's honeymoon period comes to an end when the 2 clubs meet at Fir Park this weekend.
Motherwell narrowly avoided relegation last term, before Maurice Malpas parted company with the South Lanarkshire club after only one season as manager, and Jefferies said, "Teams get a lift when someone new comes in because the players pick themselves up a wee bit. They know they are attempting to impress the new manager and it happens 9 times out of 10."
He added, "They have got off to a good start, which gives them a bit of confidence, and they will would like to keep that going, especially when they are at home. However, we must go there and take heart from our 2 performances and attempt to get an away win."
As the SPL's longest-serving manager, Jefferies thinks an air of stability at Kilmarnock was the key to their own success over the last few years.
He added, "One of the largest pluses here is that there was a lot of continuity at the club over the last 2 or 3 years. Of course that helps because everyone is comfortable with each other, they have worked together for the last few years, and that is why we have maybe had the consistency levels that we have shown."
Jefferies this week bolstered his goalkeeping options for the new season with the capture of Frenchman Damien Rascle as back up for Alan Combe and Chad Harpur.
"It is not easy to go out and get someone who accepts they will be 3rd choice," mentioned the Killie boss.
"Those kind of players are not falling off trees. Most players leave clubs because they would like to play. I was lucky to get Chad Harpur as 3rd choice last year and I think I'll be lucky again with Damien. He went to Il Ciocco with us, he looked all right and, if anything happened, I could have no hesitation in putting him in."
13 August 2007
Kilmarnock won their 1st game of the new Clydesdale Bank Premier League season with a 2-1 win over Dundee United.
The visitors had taken the lead through Noel Hunt in the 49th minute however the game turned entirely when Christian Kalvenes was controversially red-carded by referee Barry Winter for a tackle on Steven Naismith in the 77th minute.
2 minutes later Willie Gibson equalised for the home side and in the 87th minute Colin Nish sealed the points for Kilmarnock when he deflected Frazer Wright's shot into the net.
12 August 2007
A superb strike from Michael Stewart earned Hearts a point in their 1-1 with Aberdeen in a tight Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash at Pittodrie.
Both sides scored their goals out of the blue with Barry Nicholson putting the Dons ahead with their 1st decent attack in the 19th minute.
Stewart curled home from 20 yards in 1st half injury time and neither side did enough in the 2nd period to take 3 points.
11 August 2007
Daniel Cousin enjoyed a dream start to his Rangers career by grabbing a goal on his debut to help secure win over St Mirren in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
Skipper Barry Ferguson, who netted twice in Inverness last week, opened the scoring, before the former Lens forward came off the bench to claim a goal of his own.
Boss Walter Smith had spoken this week of his eagerness to see Rangers turn Ibrox into a fortress again and instil a sense of fear in their opponents and he will were satisfied to see his side take a step in the right direction today.
Rangers, whose players wore Madeleine McCann T-shirts during the warm up to reflect 100 days since the infant's disappearance in Portugal, made 2 changes from the side who defeated FK Zeta in their midweek Champions League qualifier.
Out went Kirk Broadfoot and Brahim Hemdani, and in came Alan Hutton, back from suspension, and Kris Boyd for the visit of the Paisley club.
Cousin was named on the bench however there is no place in the 18 man team for fellow new recruit Steven Whittaker, who is still short of match fitness.
Saints made one change from the side who lost to Motherwell last week, with Ryan McCay replacing Billy Mehmet, who was named on the bench.
The 1st chance of the game fell to Rangers when DaMarcus Beasley raced down the left flank before squeezing a cross into the box. Boyd rose above everyone else in front of goal however connected awkwardly with the header and the chance was lost.
St Mirren then forced their hosts into desperate defending to keep the scoreline level.
A Mark Corcoran free kick found Would Haining and the former Oldham man was only denied the opener when his header was cleared on the line by Sasa Papac.
At the rebound, McCay went to ground under load from Carlos Cuellar however there appeared to be little in the incident and no penalty was awarded by referee Mike McCurry.
At the other end, Saints soon found themselves under pressure. Beasley collected a Kevin Thomson pass before turning on the edge of the box and unleashing a drive which was only only touched wide by goalie Chris Smith.
Jean-Claude Darcheville then cranked up the load further when his snap shot was blocked by David van Zanten for a corner.
Beasley turned provider when he slotted into the path of Boyd. Boyd's 1st touch was awkward before he recovered to send a volley over the crossbar.
Rangers started well in the 2nd half, Beasley sending an angled drive inches wide of target shortly after the restart.
Darcheville then connected with a Ferguson free kick several yards out only for his powerful header to flash past the post.
Taking matters into his own hands, it was Ferguson who scored the opener after 52 minutes.
Hutton punted the ball to Lee McCulloch, who did well to chest into the path of the onrushing Gers captain and Ferguson placed his shot into the top corner.
Rangers made their 1st change when Darcheville was withdrawn for Nacho Novo, before Thomson forced a superb one-handed save from Smith and Boyd hooked inches over.
That effort was Boyd's last involvement in the game, as he made for new signing Cousin to make his Rangers debut.
It proved to be an inspired move when the Gabon international opened his goalscoring account for his new club with 79 minutes gone.
It was Beasley who did all the hard work, collecting a Novo pass and racing towards goal, before releasing to Cousin at the perfect moment to drive home from the corner of the six-yard box.
The triumph sets Rangers up for Tuesday's vital Champions League qualifier against Red Star Belgrade at Ibrox.
11 August 2007
Belgian forward Cedric Roussel admitted that he is probably going to snub the chance to join Dundee United.
The former Wolves and Coventry frontman was with United this week after being given the chance to earn a contract by manager Craig Levein.
Roussel was frozen out by Italian side Brescia who he joined in January from Belgian side Zulte-Waregem, after failing to impress.
He was not awarded a team number this week ahead of the new season and appears unlikely to play for the Brescia 1st team again.
But a transfer to Tayside does not appear to appeal to the 29 year old.
"I am there to train, however my feelings said 'no'," he said. "There is a financial difference between the parties."
Levein is still hoping to bring in a forward to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park Monday.
"We are still working on a number of things," he said.
"Things are always more complicated than they appear and the last few days have not been that easy. I am still hoping that of getting somebody in by Monday however whether it happens or not maybe out my hands."
Levein welcomes Scotland international Lee Wilkie back after suspension for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash, and must decide whether to restore him to the side ahead of Garry Kenneth who did well in the triumph against Aberdeen last week.
It is a problem Levein is pleased to have and he will wait until tomorrow before making up his mind.
Levein added, "It will probably be Sunday before I really make a decision on whether Lee comes back in or whether Garry Kenneth continues at the heart of the defence. Garry certainly did not do himself any harm with his display last weekend against Aberdeen. However, what I tend to do is have a look a few days before the game and then have a look at the opposition and attempt to make a decision from there."
08 August 2007
Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen could seek a transfer in January if he has not won a regular starting place, as stated by his agent.
Gravesen moved to Celtic Park on a £2 million deal from Real Madrid a year ago however has found himself increasingly sidelined by manager Gordon Strachan.
The 31 year old was not even on the bench for the team's opening Clydesdale Bank Premier League draw with Kilmarnock Sunday.
The Dane instead travelled to Donegal to play for the reserves in a 3-2 defeat by eircom League side Finn Harps Monday.
Agent John Sivebaek says that Gravesen he will consider his options at the turn of the year if the situation does not improve.
'The only reason that Thomas has stayed with Celtic is due to how much he loves the club,' Sivebaek informed the Scottish Sun.
'He thinks the club is fantastic and the fans are fantastic. The only thing missing is he's not playing football. He's not getting a chance and it is my personal opinion he is being frozen out. He's frustrated right now however he accepts the situation even if he does find it very strange. If come the next transfer window he's not playing we'd must consider our options.'
04 August 2007
Skipper Barry Ferguson gave Rangers a significant psychological boost by inspiring a 3-0 win over Inverness on the opening day of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign.
The long trek north to the Highlands was a daunting prospect for the Ibrox side, who endured 2 defeats and a draw against Charlie Christie's side last term.
Results of that ilk typified a dismal season for the Glasgow giants and today's win, thanks to a double from Ferguson and a Nacho Novo strike, will be seen as a signal of intent as Rangers attempt to mount a realistic challenge for Celtic's SPL crown.
Manager Walter Smith made 2 changes from the side which scraped a 2-0 triumph over FK Zeta in the midweek Champions League qualifier, Charlie Adam and Jean-Claude Darcheville making way for the introduction of Kevin Thomson and DaMarcus Beasley.
It was the U.S international who could have opened the scoring early on, pouncing on a Ferguson through-ball and racing down the left flank and into the box. Beasley's blistering pace had taken him past several Caley Thistle players however he had taken too long to pull the trigger and goalie Michael Fraser had raced off his line to block.
Kris Boyd was then the 1st player to be booked with only 11 minutes on the clock for a challenge on Ian Black, who needed treatment. The home crowd howled vehemently at the foul, however the away fans were in raptures 5 minutes later.
A long ball from Allan McGregor was touched into the path of Ferguson by Lee McCulloch and the Ibrox captain unleashed a superb, left footed volley which cracked off the inside of the post and into the back of the net from 20 yards.
Brahim Hemdani then had his name taken by referee Kenny Clark for a foul on Dennis Wyness, before Rangers should have doubled their advantage.
Boyd was singled out for most of the criticism following the poor display against Zeta, hitting the post in the opening seconds of the qualifier before missing a sitter in the 2nd half.
He had the chance to silence his critics when Ferguson released him into the box, however the luckless forward was denied by the woodwork for the 2nd time in 4 days as his effort rattled off the crossbar.
Ferguson was the provider again, this time delivering a good ball to the feet of Beasley however the winger fired straight at the goalkeeper, with Boyd waiting for the ball several yards out and with the gaping net in his sights.
As half time approached Hemdani swung the ball to Carlos Cuellar and the centre-half, who netted in a pre season friendly against Ajax, was denied his 1st competitive goal when Fraser parried wide.
Boyd had suffered a knock in the 1st half and, clearly still struggling, was replaced by Novo 3 minutes after the restart, with the Spaniard playing on the right and McCulloch pushed further forward through the middle.
Rangers dominated the play early on however were finding it difficult to convert possession into clear-cut chances and Caley slowly started to grow in confidence.
They made a change of their own after 62 minutes, when Rory McAllister was sacrificed for Don Cowie, however any hope of a comeback was dashed when Rangers found the back of the net again 2 minutes later.
McCulloch did well to hold off 2 defenders to meet a long goal kick, before squaring into the path of the onrushing Novo, whose thunderous strike from only inside the box left Fraser with no chance.
Inverness shuffled their pack again, Roy McBain making way for Richie Hart and Dean McDonald taking the place of John Rankin.
With time fast running out, Hart tried his luck with a drive which deflected wide, before Wyness saw an angled effort held by McGregor.
However, Rangers ran out comfortable winners when Ferguson grabbed his 2nd of the day in the final minute, sending a cheeky lob over the goalie from 10 yards to set the Ibrox side up perfectly for next week's 2nd leg against Zeta in Montenegro.
30 July 2007
Hearts confirm both Anatoly Korobochka and Stevie Frail will remain in their current positions at Tynecastle next season.
Korobochka had taken over as head coach, with Frail as his assistant, following the departure of Valdas Ivanauskas in March.
Inspite of bringing stability to the Edinburgh club in the 2nd half of the season, uncertainty had surrounded the pair's future over the summer. However, majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov said Monday both men will remain a part of his plans for the new Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign.
In addition, Bulgarian Angel Cernekov arrives from FBK Kaunas as an assistant coach, taking charge of reserve team affairs.
However, Eduard Malofeev is unlikely to be involved directly with the coaching staff in the season ahead inspite of advising Korobochka and Frail during the club's pre season trip to Austria and Germany.
He will continue to advise the board of directors as part of his consultancy role.
Off-field events have dominated the headlines since the arrival of Romanov at Hearts however the Jambos chief expects the focus will return to football in the season ahead, which starts with a derby match against Edinburgh rivals Hibs a week tonight.
Romanov informed hearts.co.uk, "We will be working with the same team as it is now plus there will be an assistant, Angel Cernekov. He will be in charge of the reserve team. I wish we would only must be in charge of football questions. I would like them to deal with only football, rather than problems created for us."
30 July 2007
Celtic coach Tommy Burns said the champions will be without 3 key players for the Clydesdale Bank of Scotland Premier League opener at home to Kilmarnock next Sunday.
Japan international Shunsuke Nakamura was involved in the Asian Cup in the summer and will not report back to Celtic Park until Friday.
New signing Scott McDonald, who has impressed in pre season after signing from Motherwell, is suspended for the 1st 2 SPL games of the season.
And goalie Artur Boruc would even miss the start of Celtic's Champions League campaign on August 14 with a troublesome shoulder injury picked up during the friendly against Newcastle at St James' Park last Thursday.
All 3 players missed the 1-0 friendly triumph over Parma at Celtic Park yesterday which the Hoops won with Aiden McGeady's goal in the 84th minute.
Burns said, 'Shunsuke does not come back until Friday and he will be required to speak to the manager. Artur has got a problem with a joint in his shoulder which he picked up 10 minutes into the Newcastle game. He maybe out for 2 or 3 weeks. We will do everything that we can to be fit however we have got to be careful or we might make it worse. Scott McDonald is suspended for the 1st 2 games of the season however whoever comes in, it will be up to them to keep the jersey.'
Second-choice goalie Mark Brown, who was waiting patiently in the wings since signing from Inverness Caledonian Thistle last January, deputised against the Serie A side and will keep his place for the Kilmarnock match.
And the former Rangers and Motherwell stopper will take over in the 1st leg of the Champions League 3rd qualifier, which will be drawn Friday.
Burns admitted that Boruc is struggling to be fit for Europe.
He said, 'Artur has got a problem with a joint in his shoulder which he picked up 10 minutes into the Newcastle game. He maybe out for 2 or 3 weeks. We will do everything that we can to be fit however we have got to be careful or we might make it worse.'
Burns insists, however, that he could have no qualms if Brown has to play in his 1st European game.
He said, 'Mark played well against Parma. He's a good lad and he has conducted himself well. If Artur is out then the lads will feel safe with Mark behind them.'
