“I played a dozen times for the Scotland select over the period 1978-1989,” said Mike, of Broughty Ferry.
“I was also fortunate enough to captain the side on two occasions as a Harp player.
“During this spell, there seemed to be a bias towards the west coast as the majority of those picked to play for the country came from that area.
“On most of the occasions I was fortunate to be chosen, I went alone from the Tayside Region.
“I do recall, however, my first trip was to Wales for a full international and, amazingly, five players from Tayside were represented.
“These included Jed Reilly, from North End, and Brian McNicolL and Steve Myles from Carnoustie.
“Alec Rice was also there and I think he was playing for Forfar Albion at the time.
“I hope this answers Tom’s query?”
Mike concluded, “I did once travel to play Northern Ireland in Carrickfergus.
“Because of the ‘troubles’, we had an armed escort — but that’s another story!”
Now, another question . . . has Mick played more times for Scotland than any other Dundee/Tayside Junior player?
My sports desk colleague GRAEME FINNAN, who played three times as a goalkeeper for Junior Scotland when with North End, reckons he may have done, but that Tayport’s STEVEN STEWART might just edge in front.
“Steven was certainly involved with Scotland over a period of around five seasons, I would say,” remarked Graeme. “I would reckon he also has at least 12 appearances.
“Downfield’s GRANT CLARK, Frazer Fitzpatrick (Tayport) and IAIN ROSS (Lochee United) — coincidentally all goalkeepers — also seemed to be involved many times in the national set-up.
“Tayport duo SCOTT PETERS and ROBERTO MORRIS were also capped a few times.”
Graeme also pointed out that Scottish Junior internationalists don’t get an actual cap for each game.
“You just get one cap at the end of each season, listing all the teams you have played against,” he said.
If you know of any player who has made more than 12 appearances, or can just contribute to this debate, then get it touch.
STAMPEDE AT AFRICAN MATCH
CHARLIE WALKER, along with a few other punters in a local betting shop, were discussing the recent World Cup in South Africa.
“I told them about a tragedy that happened about 10 years ago in South Africa when 50 spectators died in a crush at a football match,” said Charlie, of Lochee, Dundee.
“The ground, if I remember correctly, held 70,000, but over 100,000 were at the game.
“I’m sure Leeds United signed a player from one of the teams involved in the match that tragic day.
“Can you give me more information about this terrible tragedy?”
It was reported at the time (April 2001) that at least 50 people died and scores were injured after fans stampeded at a soccer match in South Africa between Orlando Pirates and rivals Kaiser Chiefs at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
Forty-two people died in a similar stampede at a game between the two sides in 1991 at the Vaal Stadium, just outside Johannesburg.
The Leeds player may have been Lucas Radebe.
Typically, Charlie also had another query.
“Also, Rangers played Cowdenbeath at Central Park in a Scottish Cup tie in the 1950s and double what the ground held attended.
“Perhaps you can unearth figures as to how much the ground held and how much were estimated to be in the ground that day?
“I’m sure some papers carried a story about the attendance and also printed photos about the disgrace about letting so many in.”
I’ll leave the attendance story open for readers to come in with some input.
The game in question was a Scottish Cup first-round tie, and was played at Central Park, with Rangers winning 3-1.
Cowdenbeath — Barrie; Duncan, Clark; Moore, Campbell, Murphy; Mulhall, Craig, Miller, Reid, Gilfillan. Scorer — Gilfillan.
Rangers — Ritchie; Shearer, Caldow; McColl, Telfer, Baird; Scott, Simpson, Murray, Brand, Wilson. Scorers — Murray (2), Simpson.
