Great Players 1996 – 2000

Kevin Gallacher
International debut – 1988
Number of Caps – 53
Goals – 9

Gallacher was a sensation during his long international career with Scotland, after making an impressive debut in 1988; he secured a permanent place in the squad. His goal scoring record through out his career has always been respectable for a striker. After impressive performances during Euro 96, Gallagher’s finest period playing for Scotland came between 1996 -1998. He scored both goals when Scotland defeated France 98 qualifying group winners 2-0 at Hampden Park. He then went onto score two more in the 4-1 defeat of Belarus in September 1997 and he followed that up with a crucial header in a match against Latvia which secured qualification for Scotland for the 1998 world cup finals. His performances in the finals were good however Scotland were unable to reach past the first phase. He has played for Dundee united, Coventry City and Blackburn.

John Collins
International debut – 1988
Number of Caps – 58
Goals – 12
Since bursting into the football scene in the late 80’s, Collins earned himself a reputation as one of the most skilful players in Scottish football. In 1990, Celtic paid a staggering £1 million for him. During his six years at the club he proved he was worth every penny the club had paid for him and moved to Monaco of France in the summer of 1996. He played a vital role in the Scottish team during Euro 96 and the 1998 world cup finals, scoring in the opening match of the 1998 finals against Brazil. His brilliant performances for Monaco, earned him club captaincy.

Gary McAllister
International debut – 25th April 1990 V East Germany
Number of Caps – 57
Goals – 5
McAllister began his career at Motherwell before being sold to Leicester City for £100,000. He appeared for more than 200 occasions for the Midlands club, scoring 47 goals, before transferring to Leeds for £1 Million. Many Scotland fans remember his miss in the Euro 96 match against England on the penalty spot. McAllister played in the Scottish midfield for more than 10 years, starring in three major tournaments, including Euro 92, euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup finals.

Jim Leighton
International debut –1983
Number of Caps – 91
Goals – 0
Leighton was without doubt one of Scotland’s greatest ever goal keepers, in an international career spanning over 15 years, he played in the 1986 world cup finals, Italia 90 and in the 1998 world cup finals. He was outstanding in the qualification matches for the 1998 world cup finals pulling off a vast number of terrific saves from the opposition helping the Scots qualify for the finals. He played his club football for Aberdeen, Manchester United and Hibernian.