Joe Jordan lauds Strachan for spirit of Scotland

Former Scotland striker Joe Jordan has hailed Gordon Strachan for instilling a new positivity and belief in the national team.

Joe Jordan at last nights dinner. Picture: SNS

Scotland won three of their last four qualifiers of an otherwise disappointing World Cup campaign to give renewed optimism to the country ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifiers, preparation for which begins with a Hampden friendly against the United States on Friday night.

Jordan was among the Tartan Army at Wembley in August when Strachan’s team twice took the lead against England before some soft set-piece goals cost them a result, but he was delighted to see a Scotland team on the front foot again.

Jordan, who was the subject of a special tribute at the annual Scottish Football Hall of Fame dinner at Hampden last night, said: “I think they have played with good spirit and a bit of belief. They have been positive and got what they deserved. They were a little bit unfortunate against England. Although we lost I’m sure the Scotland supporters would have really enjoyed the way their lads took the game to England when they could.

“I don’t think that was happening before. They weren’t getting results but they didn’t look as if they were playing with any belief.”

Jordan, who scored in three consecutive World Cup finals tournaments, added: “I just look at the positive attitude, that’s what is pleasing, and not an easy thing to do, especially on the back of a run when they were in the doldrums so to speak.

“Gordon Strachan and his staff have instilled a belief that they are a bunch of lads that can get results. You can see that belief coming back and that confidence will grow.” The former Leeds, Manchester United and AC Milan striker accepted his latest accolade with typical modesty. “It’s a big surprise,” the 61-year-old said. “I don’t know how they come by it. It’s quite a list of great players. I must have been the one that’s available.”

The latest figures inducted into the Hall of Fame were former Aberdeen and Manchester United defender Martin Buchan; former Leeds star Eddie Gray; former Scotland and Manchester United boss Tommy Docherty; former Partick Thistle goalkeeper Alan Rough; former Rangers manager Scot Symon; and former Hearts player Bobby Walker, who scored eight goals for Scotland before the First World War.