EK's Jamie wins call-up for Scotland

Oct 8 2008 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

BRISTOL City star Jamie McAllister was left ‘buzzing’ after learning he had been called up for the Scotland squad to face Norway this weekend.

The 30-year-old from Newlandsmuir was out having lunch with his wife and child when he found out he was being drafted in to the national set-up for the first time in four years.

And now he can’t wait to join up with George Burley’s squad as he told the News this week: “It feels great to be in the squad; I’m absolutely delighted about it and I’ve been buzzing ever since I found out.

“My manager at Bristol City, Gary Johnson phoned me to tell me George Burley had been on the phone to say I’d been selected for the Scotland squad, but the gaffer wanted to tell me himself so I never spoke to George.

“But I was out having lunch at the time so it was a great afternoon. It’s great news and I’m looking forward to joining up with the rest of the squad.”

It has been a long wait for McAllister who picked up his only Scotland cap during a 4-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly at Hampden in 2004.

But the former Aberdeen and Hearts player said he’d always hoped to have the chance to play for his country again.

The Robins defender said: “It’s been a long time since my first cap, but I’ve never given up hope on playing for Scotland again. I’ve been playing well recently so it’s great to be part of the squad.”

And during the squad announcement, Scotland boss George Burley said of McAllister’s inclusion: “I know Jamie well from Hearts. When I was there, he was a midfield player but in the last couple of seasons he has settled in at left-back. He is a tremendous professional who is desperate to get into the squad."

Scotland face Norway on Saturday in a Hampden sell-out and after a disappointing defeat to Macedonia and a narrow 2-1 win over Iceland in the previous games, Jamie knows Scotland have a job to do.

“It’s a big game for us and we need to build on the win we picked up in Iceland,” said McAllister.

“We’re going to be at home with a packed Hampden crowd behind us and, to be honest, if we are going to do anything in this group we need to win our home games, so hopefully we come away with all three points.”

And despite having just a solitary cap to his name, McAllister has plenty of experience to draw on.

He added: “I’m definitely ready to handle playing in this kind of match. I’ve played in a play-off final for Bristol at Wembley and I’ve played at Hampden before so I’m used to these big match atmospheres.

“And I’m sure I can handle things if I play against Norway on Saturday.”