Wales v Scotland: Pat Stanton sure Cardiff will be cauldron

By ALAN TEMPLE
Published on 12/10/2012 01:33

Former Scotland captain Pat Stanton knows exactly what it takes to enter the Dragons’ den wearing the skipper’s armband and leave with all the points.

The Hibernian legend lead the national side to a 2-0 victory over Wales in the British Championships of 1973, contending manfully with a raucous atmosphere of jingoistic vitriol at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.

Regular meetings of the home nations may now be a thing of the past but Stanton expects the competitive edge of that fabled old tournament to be rekindled in Cardiff tonight. Big characters and bravery, he contends, will be required if Craig Levein’s charges are to register the three points required to get Scotland’s bid for Brazil back on track.

“I remember the trip to Wales as a hard game, with an incredibly passionate crowd,” Stanton continued. “But we had a good side, and sometimes you have to believe in your players. You can’t give them any encouragement or the atmosphere will build and build.

“The home nations matches were a terrific experience. There is something special about games between the British sides which don’t involve England. It is pure passion and wonderful to play in.”