Football: Brown relies on traditional ways

THE power of positive thinking was high on Craig Brown's agenda yesterday as Scotland prepared for their penultimate pre-World Cup friendly, although the faith-healing fad in which Glenn Hoddle is placing so much trust will not figure in the build-up to tomorrow's match against Colombia at Giants Stadium.

"Attitude and group dynamics have never been a problem with this squad," the Scotland manager asserted at their New Jersey training camp. Brown said he had received several offers to help with the national side, some from respected sports psychologists such as Dr George Sik, and others from the quirkier end of the spectrum.

On reflection, though, Brown had decided that the circumstances were not propitious. "If I was a club coach I might consider it," he said.

"Maybe it's something we'll try using with the Youth or Under-21 teams. But now's not the time - we've effectively got these players on loan, some from clubs where they use psychologists but others from clubs that don't."

Brown is renowned for his skill in fostering morale within a squad, one facet of which has been his ability to keep fringe players both happy and motivated.

However, the experience of Scotland's last American mini-tour, two years ago, has clearly brought about a change in priorities. The Scots went into Euro 96 on the back of defeats by the United States and Colombia, after Brown rested key performers in the first game.

"We'll have to be ruthless this time and some players may go home without a cap," he said. "The negativity of defeats like those goes into players' minds."

Brown senses that the resolution of the Scottish League championship race has eased the mental pressure on around half his 22-man pool.

For Scotland's last friendly, the frustrating home draw with Finland, he had felt obliged to use his Celtic and Rangers men sparingly. The players, in turn, found it hard to focus on their international obligations.

News that Norway, one of Scotland's group opponents in France, had trounced Mexico 5-2 in an Oslo friendly raised Brown's eyebrows without lowering his spirits. "Maybe they'll peak too early," he said with a grin.

The process of bringing Scotland towards tournament condition promises to be arduous. Having picked Colombia as the country who approximate most closely to Brazil, Brown described them as "the most aggressive South American side I've seen."

He added: "They are magnificent in terms of pressing and hunting the ball. Then, when they've got it, they put a foot on it and calm things down. It's going to be interesting."