News

Dixon's delight at Hampden debut

Sunday, 09 September 2012

FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Qualifiers
Scotland 0-0 Serbia
Saturday, 8th September 2012
Hampden Park, Glasgow

Scotland debutant Paul Dixon said putting in a man of the match performance against Serbia yesterday was "a dream come true".

The Huddersfield Town left-back was a late call-up by Craig Levein after injuries to Danny Fox, Russell Martin and Charlie Mulgrew.

“I don’t think it could have been any better for me, except if we got the win,” he said.

“Playing for Scotland at Hampden is what it is all about.

“One minute I was at my training ground in Huddersfield and the next I’m driving up the road to join up with the Scotland squad.”

The Aberdonian revealed he was given extra motivation when he learned the Serbs had targeted the left-back position as a potential weak spot in the Scottish defences.

“I think I’ve proved a few doubters wrong,” he added. “You don’t need any added motivation playing in front of a Hampden crowd but to think the Serbs might have thought I was a weak-spot certainly gave me that little bit extra.”

The former Dundee United player made one of the largest contributions to Scotland’s attacking play in yesterday’s stalemate with a series of dangerous crosses.

“I found myself with a good amount of space on the left and was happy with my deliveries,” he said.

“Playing against top international opposition has been a good experience and I hope I have learned from it going into the next game.”

The Scots take on Macedonia on Tuesday at Hampden in their second match of their FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign.

The need for three points has taken on extra significance, following wins for Belgium and Croatia, to keep pace in the group.

Dixon said: “Obviously we would like to come out of the double-header with four points now.

“This is just the start of the campaign and teams will take points off of each other.

“Winning at home is always important. There are fine margins at international level between success and failure. We have to take our chances when they come along.”

You can buy tickets for Tuesday's crucial match here.