Vogts deserves some of the credit for Scotland's resurgence, insists Burns

TOMMY Burns yesterday broke with what previously appeared to be unwritten Scottish football protocol by insisting that followers of the national team should retain an element of gratitude towards the former manager, Berti Vogts.

The German, widely castigated for his team's results and use of players during a largely forgettable spell as Walter Smith's predecessor, blooded many of the current Scotland team during his 32-month tenure; a factor not lost on Burns ahead of France's visit to Hampden on Saturday. The Celtic coach was assistant to Vogts and has remained in the same position since Smith's appointment two years ago, making him suitably qualified to discuss the relative merits of each manager.

"I saw how low things could go, how unrealistic people's opinions can be, how they want instant success," said Burns. "The last manager went through a harrowing time with no real sense of realism over what he was trying to do. People didn't understand that and I lived through it with him - I saw how difficult it was.

"Slowly but surely, you can see that there was a purpose and a reason for all the games we played. We had to see what kind of players we had to rebuild the Scottish team; Walter has come in and picked things up, putting his own stamp on things, and the players have bought into that. Now, the sun shines again, but we must treat both managers with the same respect."

While Burns readily concedes that many of the players capped by Vogts "haven't been seen since", the former Scotland international retains a strong belief that the likes of Darren Fletcher, James McFadden, Gary Caldwell and Graham Alexander have enjoyed a smoother than normal integration into the international scene thanks to the former manager's willingness to give youth a chance.

Burns added: "It was an experience we had to go through, all of that. When Berti came in, there weren't many players who could be identified as international players. It was just a question of getting Scottish players who were playing in their first team into the national set-up to see if they could cope. I thought he was a brave man. Many a time I told him that he may not be here to get the benefits from what he was doing, but he knew that. He still knew the process had to go on, to find out who could play at international level. A considerable number of those players are now doing very well."

Burns still keeps in contact with Vogts and revealed: "He's been the first guy on the phone before every game since Walter took over. He has phoned me before games to wish the boys and Walter all the best. He has no bitterness whatsoever."

Burns, speaking to promote this evening's Celtic v Liverpool Legends match at Parkhead - a match featuring the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Steve McManaman, Frank McAvennie and Brian McClair - is clearly still haunted by the stark criticism which surrounded the Vogts regime.

At that point, Scotland tumbled down the world rankings having won only nine of the German's 32 matches in charge and any return from the international wilderness appeared little more than an unattainable dream. And, understandably, with that spell in mind, Burns is unlikely to be caught up in the euphoria, verging on hysteria in certain quarters, surrounding the visit of Raymond Domenech's side.

"You have to realise that things can all change very quickly," Burns insists. "At this moment in time, we have a group of players who have done exceptionally well over the past 18 months.

"The expectation level will continue to grow, because it's no longer a case of looking at Caldwell or Fletcher or McFadden and thinking they still have some international games before they can be judged. They all have maybe 18 caps now, so they have to be confident in their own ability to go and set their own standards for Scotland.

"The fans have been unbelievable in the way they have stuck by Scotland. But people within the game, within the team, and certainly the manager have to keep a sense of realism.

"As sure as night follows day, the fans will turn up expecting Scotland to beat France.

"That's the great thing about Scottish people, but it can also be their undoing. There is no real sense of reality here."

Yet the assistant manager wants supporters to be in little doubt over the skills and qualities required to defeat the on-form World Cup runners-up. He said: "We must make ourselves hard to beat, we can't go gung-ho, it has to be a patient game but it must be played with spirit, enthusiasm and a real competitive edge."

• Celtic Legends v Liverpool Legends, tonight at Celtic Park, kick-off 7.45pm. Tickets, costing £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, are available by calling 0871 226 1888. All proceeds raised will go to the Celtic Charity Fund.