JIM Leighton will have the honour of joining such all-time greats as Pele, Maradona, Rivera of Italy and Uwe Seeler of Germany as players who have been involved in four World Cup finals. And yesterday, he showed his delight at being a member of such a hall of fame.

The 39-year-old Leighton will overtake the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Joe Jordan, who played in three World Cup finals. And he admitted the fact that they faced Brazil in the opening game gave the tournament that special edge over others in which he had played.

Leighton, along with Celtic's Darren Jackson and Craig Burley, as well as Gordon Durie of Rangers, yesterday all agreed that this was the best prepared Scottish squad.

With the withdrawal of Andy Goram during the American tour, Leighton is clearly number one keeper on the plane for France, a position he relishes.

Obviously, during my career, I have picked up experience which I hopefully can put to good use in this tournament,'' said Leighton.

''We've all spoken about the team spirit here. It's a well-worn cliche, but it really is like a club side because of the amount of times we've been together, and Craig has had a lot to do with that and we are reaping the benefits.

''There are players who are just making up the numbers, but they have not looked like that in preparation.''

As to suggestions that the Scottish team had no top player, Leighton said: ''I have played in squads with big names and we have not qualified so I don't think that matters.''

Clearly revelling in his elder statesman's role, Leighton said that part of his job was helping the next generation of Scottish footballers to come through the ranks and his experience would be invaluable against Brazil.

Turning his attention to the challenge of that first game, Leighton said that they had done their homework on the South American side.

''I think the players know enough about the Brazilian way and the Brazilian squad to realise what to expect, as there's so many of them playing in Europe nowadays. Everyone knows who they are and Craig has been thoroughly professional.''

He made it clear that Scotland would not be overawed by the challenge of Brazil, and said that they had players who had been in Champions' League finals like Paul Lambert, and who formed the nucleus of the side.

Looking back over his career Leighton said a lot of people would have found it difficult to believe that he would still be playing in the World Cup while approaching 40.

''I've had a lot of ups and downs, but I'm happy at the way things are at the moment. I am part of a determined squad who have been to a few strange places in qualifying but we have come through it all. If we get the results, I'll enjoy it.

Celtic striker Darren Jackson, one of the successes of the Scottish tour to America, said he felt the side was physically and mentally ready for the rigours of the World Cup. ''I was pleased with my performance in America but I was not the only one who felt he played well,'' said Jackson. ''The whole team turned in good performances and it was the perfect preparation for France.

''I realise competition for places up front will be fierce but it is the type of headache that Craig Brown will be happy to have.''

Simon Donnelly, the youngest member of the World Cup squad, who grew up watching Scotland's glorious failures in the tournament, believes he can help his country to qualify for the second round of the finals.

Celtic's 23-year-old striker heads off for France with the remainder of the 22-man party, anxious to face holders Brazil next Wednesday in the opening game at the Stade de France.

Donnelly has vivid memories of previous World Cups involving Scotland, stretching back to 1982 in Spain.

''Even though I was only seven at the time, I can recall those finals fairly well,'' he said. ''We had some quality players, even though Kenny Dalglish had to pull out through injury. David Narey scored that 'toe-poke' against Brazil, but to me, Scotland's top man was Graeme Souness.

''He had a great all-round game. He could pass, tackle and score goals as well. I remember he scored a beauty in the match against Russia. That goal stands out in my memory.

''My spare time used to be spent kicking a ball about the garden imitating players like him. It's great going to the World Cup and I have not been down off cloud nine since the Scotland squad was announced.''

Donnelly and his team-mates aim to put the record straight and qualify for the second phase for the first time, and although he scored 16 goals, his best ever tally, in Celtic's championship season, he is still only seen as vital back-up to Kevin Gallacher and Gordon Durie.

He added: ''I feel as though I have progressed every season and my game has come on. With Celtic I have been used to playing wide while with Scotland it has mainly been in an attacking role. I don't mind either position and hopefully I will get a chance to prove what I can do against Brazil.

''Everyone wants to play in that game because it will attract a huge worldwide aud-ience and I am no different.''

Meanwhile, the Rangers striker, Gordon Durie, said he had shrugged off a hamstring problem and was all set to play against Brazil.

''It's nice to get away and look forward to the World Cup after a disappointing season,'' said Durie. ''Our boys at Rangers are back in training on June 19 and I got a letter from Mr Advocaat saying I was to report to training on that day, so it will be kind of hard as I'll still be involved with Scotland in France.

''I think to be the first team to qualify for the second phase and create history would be great for Scotland.''

Meanwhile, Blackburn striker Kevin Gallacher, who is perhaps our most potent goalscoring threat for France, reassured worried fans that his fitness will be 100% for the game everyone's talking about and insisted that the Scots will enter the lions' den without a hint of fear.

''The problems that I had over in America have gone and I have put on the weight that I had lost over there.When I came back, myself, Billy (McKinlay), and Colin (Hendry) went to train at Blackburn just to run off the jet-lag.''

Of the big match, Gallacher said: ''We can't afford to go there and sit back, but we have been working hard and have turned in to a good counter-attacking side.''