SPFL Spotlight: Brian Irvine

Ahead of the international double header, we caught up with former Scotland defender Brian Irvine.

He was capped nine times during his career, which began at Falkirk. He spent more than a decade with Aberdeen before spells with Dundee and Ross County.
 
What’s the best goal you ever scored?
It might not be the best one technically but the most important was my penalty in the shoot-out in the 1990 Scottish Cup final for Aberdeen. It was the one that won the cup 9-8 on penalties and I was thinking about it over the weekend when I saw the result of the shoot-out (13-12) between Stirling Albion and Hurlford.

I had a split-second after the penalty where I knew it was going in, as I hit it one way and Pat Bonner went the other. He had anticipated me shooting across my body whereas I went right, and as soon as I knew it was going in it was a terrific feeling.

Most of my other goals were tap-ins or headers but I did score a well-hit half volley against Celtic in the season we just avoided relegation but that was not my best ever goal. That came in a Scottish Cup quarter-final tie for Aberdeen against Clydebank in a game we won 4-3. I got the ball at the edge of the box and swivelled before curling a shot into the far corner.
 
What was the best game you played in?
That was one of my games for Scotland. It was a World Cup qualifier against Italy in front of a full house at the Olympic Stadium in Rome in 1993. Even though we lost 3-1 it was a great experience. It was actually a close game but they scored a late goal, which makes it look more comfortable. They had a great squad, including Roberto Baggio, and went on to the final of the World Cup the following year before losing to Brazil.
 
What was your favourite away ground?
I always enjoyed playing at Ibrox and Parkhead for the atmosphere but the favourite has to be Hampden. It was the old Hampden with terracing on the three sides but when I played there it was either in a big game for Aberdeen or representing Scotland and it does not get much better than that.
 
What is your favourite other sport?
It is actually cricket, which not a lot of footballers in Scotland watch! In my playing days I always took a close interest in how England were doing. It has changed a lot now and Scotland have their own side but I still enjoy watching it.
 
Which player in the world would you like to have played with?
Ruud Gullit. When I played against him for Scotland I was impressed with his physique, his stature as well and his technical ability. Playing against him was a hard task however I learnt a lot about the game. I also liked Jurgen Klinsmann when I played against him. I often wonder if Baggio, Gullit, and Klinsmann mention me in interviews!
 
What was your favourite pre-match meal?
Always fish
 
What is your favourite music?
I am not that big into music and I suppose I like easy listening. I also like a bit of upbeat Country and Western!
 
Who is the biggest moaner you played with?
It was a lad at Aberdeen called Ian Robertson who played a good few games at full-back. Nothing was ever quite right for Ian as hot days were too hot and cold days were too cold!
 
Who was your most talented team-mate?
I am spoiled for choice between Alex McLeish and Charlie Nicholas. Alex was a great defender, a great man and he had tremendous ability. Charlie joined us from Arsenal and you could tell straight away that he was a silky, smooth footballer. He had quality in everything he did but I will choose Alex as I played with him for longer.
 
Who was your worst dressed team-mate?
I am sure my team-mates would probably say me as I was always a conservative dresser. None of them were too snappy or outrageous but they tried to change me. Bobby 'Roger' Connor once showed me a picture of the Celtic centre-half Paul Elliot, who had a fantastic silver suit, and he told me I should be getting one of them. I opted against it!
 
Who was the best trainer?
In terms of his preparation for games I would choose Theo Snelders. He was meticulous in his training. His approach to games was the same and he was almost robotic in the way he would work ahead of a game. Goalkeepers were usually not the fittest but Theo was intense. I saw him this week at a testimonial dinner for Andrew Considine and, apart from a few grey hairs, not much has changed.

Who was the best dancer?
I have to give that to Bobby Connor although it should be engraved as Roger as even his wife calls him that. A great character as he showed throughout his career.

Craig Stewart