Stars of the ’80s, No3: Alan Rough

Published on 25/10/2012 01:14

The goalkeeper who received more than his fair share of the blame for Scotland’s underachievement in both the 1978 and 1982 World Cup campaigns.

The truth was “Roughie” was a solid keeper in the Scottish top flight, excelling over a 21-year career. After 13 years and over 400 appearances for Partick Thistle, he moved to Hibs in 1982. Rough’s form between the sticks ensured Hibs stayed in the top flight as the club struggled bravely to avoid the drop. He was forced aside in 1987 to make way for Andy Goram and had also played his last game for Scotland at that point, having won 53 caps but found himself playing second fiddle to Jim Leighton. Aside from a short, late career stint at Celtic he never played for a marquee British club and, unlike most of his Scotland team-mates, wouldn’t be considered a superstar of his time, which perhaps explains why he was so readily used as a scapegoat for the country’s disappointment.