Figo backing for Ireland-Scotland Euro bid

SCOTLAND and Ireland’s bid to host Euro 2008 has been boosted by the backing of former World Footballer of the Year Luis Figo, according to bid director John Henderson.

Figo was part of the Real Madrid side which won the Champions League final at Hampden Park in May and he threw his backing behind the joint bid with Ireland ahead of Portugal’s friendly with Scotland last night.

The midfield maestro is just one of a number of high-profile names in the game who would like to see Scotland and Ireland’s bid to host the tournament given the green light - Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish have already added their support.

And Henderson has welcomed the backing of one of the world’s top footballers ahead of the final vote next month.

He said: ‘‘I think things like Figo coming out and saying he hoped we get to host the competition next time does help because it is not just about business or money, it is about the players and the fans enjoying the game.

‘‘That is the special thing we have going for us. The players know the atmosphere and the big crowds give them that bit extra. They enjoy playing here. I welcome his comments.’’

A team of Scottish politicians is set to talk to the Dáil in Dublin this weekend to illustrate the cross-party support for the nations’ joint bid.

A team of MSPs (members of Scottish parliament) and MPs, including former First Minister Henry McLeish, will travel to Ireland on Sunday and they were put through a training exercise at Easter Road by Hibernian manager Bobby Williamson.

‘‘I think it would be tremendous for Scotland. We need facilities so they can work and shape their teams for the coming games,” he said.

‘‘Hopefully, the government will realise that it has to help in getting the facilities up to scratch and not just rely on clubs to do that off their own back. Everyone will get the benefit of that.’’

He added: ‘‘Just because you have the best bid, technically, doesn’t mean to say you will win, so days like today and Sunday all help to reinforce that.

‘‘We will also be having European journalists across to Scotland so we can get the story out across Europe as well.

‘‘We need to make it a big story in Europe and we need to build that momentum up as we go into the final straight.’’