THE Rangers striker, Gordon Durie, broke off from a spell of treatment yesterday and admitted that he had feared that the injury he received against Colombia at the weekend might have prevented him from going to the World Cup finals in France.
''At first, when I felt the pain I was convinced that I had torn or pulled the hamstring,'' he explained. ''It felt really bad. What happened was that I had felt the hamstring just before I stretched for the pass from Jackie McNamara.
''It was just a little tweak but I went to the touchline and asked if I could come off, then a couple of minutes later I stretched for the ball and that was it.
''If it had been a pull then I would have been out for four weeks or more and that would have been a disaster for me. Then when the pain eased off a little the doctor was able to tell me that the muscle had gone into spasm and that's what made me think it was torn.
''Anyhow, it isn't and I feel I am making progress with the treatment I have been receiving daily but I still don't know whether I will be fit to play against the United States in Washington. I don't want to take any chances at all.
''If there is the slightest doubt then I won't play because I would not want to risk aggravating the injury and then maybe missing out on the finals. That's a nightmare thought.''
The Scotland manager, Craig Brown, was much more upbeat about both Durie and his front-line partner Kevin Gallacher, who had been kept out of training since arrival because of illness.
Gallacher has now managed one light training session and Brown said yesterday: ''Kevin's stomach upset is improving. He did a little training and he has been able to take some liquid nourishment now and he will soon start on solid foods again. If he can get his strength back then he will play in Washington for at least part of the game.''
Added Brown: ''We had a bounce game against the Metro Stars just to allow some of the players who were not used against Colombia the opportunity of match practice.
''We won 4-0, Simon Donnelly scored two, Scott Booth, and one of the young lads with us, Kieron McAnespie, who plays for St Johnstone got the fourth. Kieron's only 18 and it is good experience for him to be here.
''We used the two 'keepers - a half game each - we did not use on Saturday and we had Colin Hendry, Matt Elliott,, and Derek Whyte at the back with David Weir, Darren Jackson, Billy McKinlay, Scot Gemmill, and Tosh McKinlay across the middle, and Booth and Donnelly as the strikers.
''It was a good work-out and it was one we needed for some of the players. It was only arranged at the last minute but it was better than just a training match among our own players.''
Brown has indicated that he wants to get as close to the starting World Cup line-up as possible when he plays against the United States this weekend and the players reckon that the team selection will give powerful hints as to the manager's thinking.
Christian Dailly smiled yesterday: ''There is still enough doubt about the Brazil line-up to keep everyone a little on edge.
''If I am picked to play against the States then I know I shall have to be at my best to satisfy the manager and get into the opening match in Paris. That is the one we all want to play in of course.
''I played against the Brazilian Under-21 side in Toulon at a tournament there but we lost 4-0. Their finishing was incredible that day.
''I mean, there was nothing we could do to stop them. We actually played well but we missed any chances we had and they didn't waste any. But that doesn't mean I will be in awe of them if I make the team. Playing against Colombia helped me a lot.
''It was good to come up against a South American side and see just how they play and how they control the ball and it was an important rehearsal for all of us.''
Soon, though, the rehearsals will be over and while Dailly will take nothing for granted, the young man who amassed a record number of 34 caps with the Under-21 team looks increasingly sure to be used against the world champions.
Having managed to look so assured on yet another new role, that left wing back position may become permanent until room can be found for him in his favoured centre back spot.
q AUSTRIA will be seeking a victory in tonight's friendly against fellow World Cup qualifiers Tunisia to restore confidence lost in their last two matches. After qualifying for the finals with surprising ease, the Austrians have disappointed on home soil, losing 3-2 to Hungary, and 3-0 to the USA.
Today's fixtures.
King Hassan II International Cup - Belgium v France (7.30), England v Morocco (5.30).
East Juniors - Dalkeith Glazing Cup Semi Final, Camelon v Armadale Thistle (7.0).
John Walker League - Pumpherston v Haddington Athletic (7.0).
Adam Cunningham Small Primary School Cup final - St Patrick's v St Matthew's (Dam Park, Ayr, 6.30).
TE Docherty Large Primary School Cup final - Drongan v Dalmilling (Dam Park, Ayr, 7.35).
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