TIME TO UNPACK THE TIDDLYWINKS

Perhaps these sceptical eyes and ears were mistaken, but was there and air of I-told-you-so about Berti Vogts’ dealings with the media in the wake of Scotland’s narrow friendly defeat in Denmark on Wednesday?

Following on from humiliation in Wales and a home defeat at the hands of a Romanian side that dominated to a greater extent than the 2-1 scoreline suggested, the trip across the North Sea this week was widely viewed as another disaster in the making.

The Danes, while unlikely to repeat their shock win of 12 years ago, are heading for Euro 2004 in just over a month with a useful side that could cause a few upsets.

It was, therefore, not unreasonable for the Tartan Army to be more than a touch concerned about what might happen in the Parken Stadium.

In the build-up, though, Berti predicted his players would do well. After the 1-0 defeat, he seemed to think they had proved him right.

Well, sorry to be an old stick-in-the- mud, but if we have reached the stage where losing to a mid-ranked European country is regarded as some form of success, it’s time we packed away our boots and ball and produced the tiddlywinks.

Wednesday was not a disgraceful result, not by any means. And there were plus points — like another solid performance from Dundee United keeper Paul Gallacher and an introduction to international football for Peter Canero, a player who could have a future at this level.

Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher continues to grow in stature and, as it’s always good to see nice guys do well, it was pleasing to witness Malky Mackay get recognition for his consistency at Norwich City.

The fact remains, though, this was another defeat and defeats sap confidence.

Even if we follow the usual line that in friendlies the results are not the be all and end all, there were more negatives than positives.

Negatives like the lack of any sense of organisation or long-term planning. Everything done seems to be in piecemeal fashion and too much seems to be based on the short term.

Neither played, but Celtic’s young keeper David Marshall and Portsmouth’s Nigel Quashie, or “Who?” as he’s come to be known, were both included in the squad on the basis of what they’ve done in recent weeks.

Both could prove excellent international players, and Marshall has certainly been impressive since exploding onto the scene for Celtic.

Still, players should surely be required to prove themselves at club level for longer than these two have before they are asked to make the step up.

Where Berti Vogts is concerned, this column has become a broken record. Nothing that has happened this week has come close to seeing the Berti-must-go disc being changed.

Finally, this week it was confirmed Dundee United midfielder Craig Easton would be leaving Tannadice after nine years.

The time is probably right for the 25-year-old to seek a new challenge and, wherever that is, his new employers can be assured they will be getting one of the best pros around.

These words will only embarrass him, but, if good guys were rewarded with trophies, Eastie would be a World Cup winner.

Predictions —

Dundee United v. Hearts — HOME.

Hibernian v. Dundee — DRAW.

Kilmarnock v. Livingston — HOME.

Partick Thistle v. Aberdeen — DRAW.

Rangers v. Motherwell — HOME.

Celtic v. Dunfermline — HOME.