'Wotte appointment a big step forward'

MORTEN Wieghorst believes Scotland are on the road to international rehabilitation with the appointment of a performance director.

Former Den Haag and Southampton manager Mark Wotte was installed in the newly-created role last month following which SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: "This is the key appointment that could turn around Scottish football."

Wieghorst said: "Scotland has struggled in recent years but now I believe there is a new structure being put in place so that in years to come they can get back to where they belong.

"I think with the appointment of the new sporting director, this will be prove to be a massive step towards a better youth development and to getting Scottish youngsters through the ranks. But the competition is fierce on the European stage and you cannot take anything for granted.

"The competition won't get any less but if you do things right and put a structure in place, then you have a chance because there is great passion for football in this country.

"Nations that were not great footballing nations before are popping up because they have structures in place for youth development and that's paying off. I have just been to the European under-21 finals, which Denmark hosted, and countries like Switzerland are really doing well because they have invested heavily in youth development over the years.

"If you want good players in four or five years' time you have to put a structure in place and look at the 12, 13 and 14-year-old players - and be patient."