Colin Cameron recalls win over Germany

In the build-up to Scotland’s European qualifying game with Germany last night memories had been stirred of the Scots’ 1-0 friendly win over the Germans in Bremen’s Weserstadion in 1999.
Colin Cameron:  Late substitute. Picture: SNSColin Cameron:  Late substitute. Picture: SNS
Colin Cameron: Late substitute. Picture: SNS

Talk centred on the pink shirts the Scots wore and Don Hutchison’s second-half winner but little attention was paid to the one Scottish player who is still playing senior football.

Berwick Rangers player/manager Colin Cameron picked up the first of his 28 Scotland caps in that success and the now 41-year-old is proud of both his national service and his continuing contribution on the pitch.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cameron said: “The Germany game came at a very exciting time for me. My involvement came right out of the blue as I had been out injured for eight months with a pelvic injury at Hearts and had played in only seven games when I got the call-up.”

“I had gone through a double hernia operation that was thought to be a cure but it wasn’t. The Hearts goalkeeper Gilles Rousset put me in touch with a specialist in France and what he did was amazing. He basically stripped my body back and then tightened everything up. Two weeks later I was back training and playing.”

“As far as I was concerned it was a second start in my career. I had gone from thinking that I may never play football again to playing for Scotland.”

The Kirkcaldy born midfielder said: “It was great to be involved even if it was just a friendly. I was not sure that I would play any part but Craig put me on with six minutes to go. With injury time, I got eight minutes but it was eight minutes against a top side and I think I got one touch.”

Cameron added: “Of course, a lot of people remember big Don’s goal and the shirts but one thing that sticks with me was that my dad was not there. He still watches me now as he did when I was playing in England and in Europe but he was not there that night.”

“He went to Scotland games after that but he was not there when I made my debut. He is not allowed to forget that.”

Cameron senior had plenty of other occasions to see his son in action for Scotland. “I am proud of my international career,” Cameron added, “and even if that had been my only cap I would have been proud. Playing at that level is the top accolade and there was no better feeling than playing for Scotland at Hampden. I really cherish the silver medal I was awarded when I reached 25 caps.”

As for his longevity, he said: “It is surprising that I am the only one still playing. You live for now and then 15 years have passed without you knowing it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Mind you, not only am I playing and managing, I am also working with the EduSport Football Academy during the day. It is challenging but I still enjoy playing and I would not do it if I didn’t.” After thinking that his career was over due to the pelvic problem Cameron is keen to keep going, despite wear and tear. “Of course there are aches and pains,” he said, “and I have to accept that I am never 100 per cent fit and have not been for a long time but I have put in a fair amount of mileage.”

“To still be kicking a ball at my age is something I am proud of. I read Gabriel Batistuta saying that he wanted to get his legs amputated as he was in so much pain as he has no cartilage left in his knee and it is basically bone rubbing against bone. He had the best medical advice throughout his career so there is a limit but I have not reached it yet.”

“I love playing. Too many players finish early and I will keep playing as long as it is not affecting the management side. I have been doing both jobs for four years and, whilst I took a back seat at Cowdenbeath at the start of last season, I was playing in reserve games. I sit deeper now and don’t make the same runs into the opposing box as I used to but I am still contributing positively.”

Cameron, who netted against East Stirling a fortnight ago, added: “That goal made me the oldest goalscorer in the bottom flight of senior football in Scotland so it is not going too badly.”

Related topics: