On this day in 2002 Berti Vogts would take charge of Scotland for his second game against Nigeria at Pittodrie. He would give out seven debut caps in total. Starting that day would be Rab Douglas of Celtic, Robbie Stockdale of Middlesbrough, Kevin McNaughton of Aberdeen, Gareth Williams of Nottingham Forest. Coming on at half time would be Graham Alexander of Preston North End and later in the match Michael Stewart of Manchester United and Garry O’Connor of Hibs would make their International bows. As to the game it started well enough with Christian Dailly opening the scoring in seven minutes but two goals either side of half time by Julius Aghahowa would give victory to Nigeria.

A lot was expected of Williams, Stewart and O’Connor but they never reached their full potential for varying reasons. However, Rab Douglas would win 19 caps in total, whilst Alexander who made his debut at the age of 30 would gain 40 caps in total.

Full Line Up – Rab Douglas (Celtic), Robbie Stockdale (Middlesbrough), Stephen Crainey (Celtic), Paul Lambert (Celtic, Captain), David Weir (Everton), Christian Dailly (West Ham United), Kevin McNaughton (Aberdeen), Gareth Williams (Nottingham Forest), Steven Thompson (Dundee United), Scot Gemmill (Everton) & Neil McCann (Rangers).

Graham Alexander and Gary Caldwell (of Newcastle United) replaced Robbie Stockdale and Scot Gemmill at half time. Michael Stewart came off in the 64th minute for Gareth Williams. O’Connor replaced Thompson in the 75th minute and the final change saw Allan Johnston of Middlesbrough coming on for Neil McCann.