James McFadden: Winner was my best yet

Sep 10 2007 by Gavin McCafferty, Liverpool Daily Post

James McFadden (158)

EVERTON’S James McFadden has hailed his match-winning strike for Scotland as his best in international football.

The Goodison Park player was a second-half substitute who helped turn around the Scots’ fortunes against Lithuania.

McFadden struck a glorious goal as Scotland eventually clinched a 3-1 success and now believes they have earned the right to approach their clash in France with the belief they can take something from the Euro 2008 qualifier.

The Everton forward has never been overawed by any opponent in his career and his natural confidence has been reinforced by Scotland’s continuing challenge to World Cup finalists Italy and France. Even defeat in the Parc des Princes would not rule out Scotland going on to claim an unlikely place in the European Championship, with games against Ukraine and Georgia to come next month.

Scotland’s sixth victory in eight qualifiers took the pressure off ahead of the Paris match, but McFadden brushed off defeatist attitudes as he looked to last year’s 1-0 triumph at Hampden for inspiration.

“It was the result we needed and we got it, so we have got to be happy,” the former Motherwell star said. “You need confidence going into games and there is no better confidence than winning games.

“We believe we can get a result and I think the way we have been playing backs that up. If we didn’t believe it there would be no point going, we would just give them the points.

“It’s a massive game and it’s a game we should be expecting to try to take some points from. We beat them the last time so you never know what can happen.”

McFadden looked dangerous down the right flank following his introduction for Gary Teale in the 69th minute. Scotland had struggled to regain the initiative after Tomas Danilevicius cancelled out Kris Boyd’s opener with a controversial penalty.

But, soon after Stephen McManus put Scotland ahead, McFadden glided past two opponents before curling a magnificent 25-yard shot into the top corner. However, McFadden is unsure whether his impressive cameo role will be enough to regain a starting role, with skipper Barry Ferguson certain to return after missing the Hampden clash through suspension.

“The three subs came on and did well, the 11 who started did well,” the 24-year-old said. “Obviously Barry is to come back so there is going to be a dilemma for the manager but it’s one I’m sure he will be happy with.

“It will be a big boost to have Barry back but the players who played took on the mantle and they produced.”