McCoist primed for one last fling: Scotland
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Your support makes all the difference.1 Jim Leighton Hibernian
Still contesting the goalkeeper's jersey despite being written off by some observers (Age 37, 74 caps).
2 Stewart McKimmie Aberdeen
Looks favourite for the right wing-back position although has played in the middle of defence. (33, 38).
3 Tom Boyd Celtic
Under-rated left-back who had a spell with Chelsea. Plays in central defence for his club (30, 35).
4 Colin Calderwood Tottenham Hotspur
Reached international football by a strange route: Mansfield and Swindon. Troubled by knee injury (31, 11).
5 Colin Hendry Blackburn Rovers
A blond giant at the back for club and country, and an inspiring presence when the going gets tough (30, 18).
6 Derek Whyte Middlesbrough
A likely starter in defence thanks to an injury to McLaren of Rangers. Cool and skilful, played in Euro 92 (27, 9).
7 John Spencer Chelsea
Consistent season at Stamford Bridge has established his reputation. Diminutive but aggressive (25, 9).
8 Stuart McCall Rangers
Runs the midfield engine-room. Yorkshire born, once considered playing for England (31, 34).
9 Ally McCoist Rangers
Goal poacher who returned to the side after 28-month international absence. First capped in 1986 (33, 52).
10 Gary McAllister Leeds United
Captain for club and country, midfielder who is regarded as one of few Scots of international class (31, 41).
11 John Collins Celtic
Midfielder who could take over play-maker role from injured McStay. Will join Monaco after Euro 96 (28, 33).
12 Andy Goram Rangers
Consistent goalkeeper who sometimes has trouble with his motivation. May not be first choice (32, 36).
13 Tosh McKinlay Celtic
Late arrival to international football when making fine debut at left- back against Greece last August (31, 4).
14 Gordon Durie Rangers
Left out by Scotland for two years but bags of goals for Rangers and injuries to others led to recall (30, 28).
15 Eoin Jess Coventry City
Neat midfielder who had to cancel holiday in Caribbean when he discovered he was in squad (25, 12).
16 Craig Burley Chelsea
Used as a right wing-back, can also play in midfield. Nephew of former Scotland right-back George Burley (24, 9).
17 Billy McKinlay Blackburn Rovers
Hard-working midfielder who has yet to gain a regular place for club or country. Known as 'Badger' (27, 17).
18 Kevin Gallacher Blackburn Rovers
Quick and versatile forward who has battled his way back after two broken legs (29, 22).
19 Darren Jackson Hibernian
Unlikely to claim a starting place, best suited to a link role between midfield and attack (25, 8).
20 Scott Booth Aberdeen
Highly promising striker who links well with former club colleague Jess. Hindered by series of injuries (24, 11).
21 Scot Gemmill Nottingham Forest
Busy midfielder, like his father Archie. May have to wait a tournament to establish himself in side (25, 6).
22 Nicky Walker Partick Thistle
Third-choice goalkeeper who had plenty of work to do last term as his club slipped out of top flight (33, 2).
The team
The absence of the injured Duncan Ferguson means that the Scots will be without their only striker capable of terrifying top-flight defences. Yet again, the scoring burden will fall on the veteran, McCoist, but the busiest player could well be the combative centre-half, Hendry. Not the weakest team in the group but they must ensure they have something in reserve when they face the Swiss three days after playing the old enemy, England.
The coach
Craig Brown played for Rangers, Dundee and Falkirk before a knee injury brought premature retirement. Served as a schoolteacher before launching coaching career at Motherwell and Clyde. Part of Scotland set-up since 1986, he succeeded Andy Roxburgh as man in charge in 1993.
The fact file
Previous appearances in finals: 1992 (first round).
Qualifying record: W7, D2, L1 (Group Eight runners-up).
Top scorer in qualifiers: 4 Booth, Collins.
Most appearances in qualifiers: 10 Collins.
Population 5m. Registered clubs 6,148. Registered players 3,200. Professional players 320.
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