Forgotten Scottish football cult hero looks unrecognisable at Killie Euro clash

HE’s a regular fixture in Scottish football quizzes.

And he popped up with a few answers during an impromptu interview during Kilmarnock‘s Europa League qualifying clash against Cercle Brugge.

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His winning goal in the 2012 League Cup final against Celtic enshrined him in Scottish football folklore forevermore – particularly in the hearts of Killie fans.

The Rugby Park faithful clearly haven’t forgot the memories he gave them on that day in March – even though his stay at the club only last six months all told.

Van Tornhout revealed he was still being asked for pictures by supporters – even though he looks totally different from his time in Ayrshire.

The Belgian was a guest at the Euro clash due to Cercle Brugge hailing from his homeland and his association with Killie.

He scored his most famous header on his 27th birthday, whilst wearing number 27, and sporting a bald haircut.

Nowadays, aged 39, he has a full head of slicked back hair.

Killie showed him behind the scenes the club trophy room before he was taken onto the pitch at half-time to be interviewed by BBC Scotland.

He said: “I’m very happy to be here, I was happy to be invited here for this game. It feels like coming home.

“I’m a bit surprised how many people recognised me.

“I was coming down from the stands tonight and everybody still wants a picture.

“It’s nice to have this feeling and enjoy the familiarity from the fans.”

When quizzed about his goal, the striker said: “It still gives me goosebumps when I see the video.

“It’s still emotional when I see myself on the screen and the emotions of the supporters.”

Killie fans were quick to pay tribute to the cult hero on social media.

One said: “Thank you, Dieter. And, once again, thank you for giving the Killie fans, one of the best times in recent memory, with your winning goal against Celtic, in the League Cup final, in 2012.”

A fan in the stands at the game itself posted a picture of the cup icon and said: “DVT let’s hope he brings us a bit of luck.”

A third punter said: “Nice to see Dieter Van Tornhout getting interviewed at half time.”

Another said “DVT, better than KVV” in reference to Kevin van Veen, who recently departed Rugby Park after a disappointing spell on loan from Groningen.

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