Welcome back to Dream Team! This week we have asked Peterhead manager Jim McInally to tell us about the 11 greatest players he played alongside in a 17-year career.
Capped by Scotland, he played more than 400 league games - making appearances for clubs such as Celtic, Nottingham Forest, Dundee United, Dundee and Raith Rovers.
Goalkeeper – Hans van Breukelen
McInally played alongside the big Dutchman during his spell at Nottingham Forest. The 6 ft 2 keeper was first choice between the sticks for the Dutch national team for the majority of the 1980s. He was a member of the side that won the 1988 European Championship, defeating the USSR 2-0 in the final.
Right-back – Danny McGrain
The tough-tackling right-back is regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever to represent the Scottish national team, making 62 appearances over a nine-year period. McGrain spent the majority of his career at Celtic and also turned out for Hamilton Accies.
Centre-back – David Narey
A Tannadice legend, Narey played for Dundee United during the most successful period in the club’s history. He was part of the side that won the title in 1982/83 and also helped them to back-to-back League Cup triumphs. Rarely missing a game, Narey made over 600 appearances for the Tangerines over a 21 year period before leaving for Raith Rovers in 1994.
Centre-back – Des Walker
McInally played with the defender when he was an up-and-coming player at Nottingham Forest during the mid 80s. As a natural ball-winner, Walker is widely regarded as one of the best that England has ever produced. He won the League Cup in two consecutive seasons with Nottingham Forest where fans chanted “You’ll never beat Des Walker!”, on account of his no-nonsense defensive style.
Left-back – Maurice Malpas
Another player who earned legendary status at Tannadice, Malpas appeared over 600 times for the Arabs in league games and was part of a solid back four that saw them win their sole Scottish Premier Division title. As well as his solid defensive attributes, Malpas possessed the attacking awareness and prowess that we associate more with the modern day full-back.
Right midfield – Gordon Strachan
Despite being more commonly known nowadays for his management career, Strachan was also a fantastic asset on the pitch during his playing days. The Scotland boss played for Manchester United and Leeds United down south as well as being an integral part of Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen side that won the European Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup. Capped 50 times, McInally was his Scotland team-mate on occasion.
Central midfield – Johnny Metgod
The versatile Dutchman could play in either defence or midfield and joined Nottingham Forest in 1984. Metgod signed from Real Madrid and made just shy of 50 league appearances for Los Blancos, a true display of his footballing pedigree. Metgod is a two-time Eredivisie champion, winning the title at both AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord as well as winning the KNVB Cup on six separate occasions.
Central midfield – Paul McStay
Nicknamed ‘the Maestro’ by Celtic fans, McStay spent his entire professional career playing for the Hoops. The creative midfielder spent 15 years at Parkhead, winning three league titles during that period, the last of which came in Celtic’s centenary year in 1988. McStay scored over 50 league goals for the Hoops in just over 500 league games as well as being capped 76 times for Scotland.
Left midfield – John Robertson
Robertson isn’t what you'd call the most conventional winger due to his lack of pace, but he was one of the most talented Scottish players of his generation. With two equally strong feet, trickery and fantastic crossing ability Robertson was a key member of Nottingham Forest’s two-time European Cup winning team under the management of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor.
Centre forward – Garry Birtles
A classic English centre-forward, Birtles' strength and hold up play, as well as goalscoring ability, was one of the many keys to Nottingham Forest’s domestic and European success. Birtles played most of his career as a target man and scored almost 100 league goals in just over 400 appearances. He spent the majority of his career at Nottingham Forest but also played for Manchester United, Notts County and Grimsby Town.
Centre forward – Charlie Nicholas
Now more commonly seen on Sky Sports, Nicholas was one of the most prolific goalscorers of his generation. His playing career spanned 16 years, during which he starred in successful teams both north and south of the border. He is most well renowned for his time at Celtic and Arsenal, where he was a fans' favourite at both clubs. He scored over 150 league goals over the course of his career and earned 20 caps for Scotland.
