In front of a sold-out Hampden Park tonight, four Scotland players who did not previously receive a Scotland cap for international appearances will be recognised during a half-time presentation against Israel.
During the 1960’s, players who played for Scotland were only awarded international caps for matches against the home nations.
Following a study of the Scottish FA’s own archives, a number of international players have been identified who never played in a home nations international match. Those players include Sir Alex Ferguson and David Holt, who along with the families of Alan Anderson and the late Harry Hood, will be recognised tonight.
In 1967, Alan Anderson, Harry Hood and Sir Alex Ferguson played in matches against Israel, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Auckland Provincial, Vancouver All Stars and New Zealand Under-23s in a close season tour but at the time not all those matches were recognised as full internationals.
On further investigation, the matches against Australia, Canada and Israel have now been deemed to be full international matches.
On the six week tour, Sir Alex Ferguson played once against Israel and three times against Australia, scoring on three occasions.
David Holt played for Scotland in matches against Austria, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Spain and West Germany between 1963 and 1964, and will also be recognised this evening.
Tonight, Harry Hood’s son will be present to represent his father who sadly passed away in 2019. Alan Anderson’s son will receive the cap on behalf of his father. A rapturous reception is expected from the Hampden crowd for all four players, including Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scottish FA President Rod Petrie said: “Tonight we are looking forward to welcoming the players and their families to Hampden Park for a presentation they all deserve.
“Playing for Scotland is the ultimate accolade and we are pleased we’ve been able to recognise these individuals for their contribution to the national team.
“In front of a packed Hampden Park tonight it will be great to see them receive the appreciation they deserve.
“To have Sir Alex Ferguson join us tonight will be a special privilege after everything he has done in the game, not just in Scotland but across the world.
“Sir Alex has never been fully recognised for his achievements on the pitch as an international player but we are able to correct that tonight. I am sure the passionate Hampden crowd will give him the reception he richly deserves.”