Scotland cult hero who inspired iconic Euros anthem announces retirement

HE was only capped three times by Scotland.

But he’s had an impact on the Tartan Army that many players with ten times as many caps could only dream of!

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2020 was a difficult year as Covid swept the globe, but for Scotland‘s national team, it proved to be a year of making history.

It was the year when Steve Clarke‘s men punched a ticket to the European Championships, a first major tournament appearance for more than two decades.

And no Scotland fan will ever forget the scenes in the Belgrade dressing room after securing qualification.

David Marshall‘s iconic save from Aleksandar Mitrovic in the penalty shoot-out saw the Scots secure a place at Euro 2020, which took place in 2021 due to the pandemic.

And the cameras continued rolling behind the scenes with the players in a huge party mood.

The squad were filmed dancing away in the dressing room to the tune of ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.’

The song subsequently exploded into life and has been a HUGE anthem for Scotland fans ever since.

But why on earth did a 1970s disco hit by a Spanish duo even cross the mind of the Scots players?

Two words – Andy Considine.

Back in 2015, a music video of the Aberdeen legend performing the song while on his stag do surfaced.

Wearing lipstick, a skirt and a wig, the bizarre routine went viral.

And five years later, it was the track on the Scotland players’ minds as they celebrated their qualification triumph with the track resurfacing in a big, big way.

The song captured the attention of a nation, garnering plenty of radio play and is still played at Hampden before matches to this day.

Considine was a popular member of the national team squad at the time, even though he didn’t get on to take part in the Belgrade triumph.

A latecomer to the national team, he only earned his first call-up in October 2020 at the age of 33.

Considine made his first Scotland appearance in a 1-0 win over Slovakia that month, becoming the country’s oldest debutant for 53 years.

He then went on to start the next two Nations League games against Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Considine retained his place int he squad for the Euro 2020 qualification play-offs, but as mentioned, never got on the park.

While he would never again be capped by Scotland, Considine continued to be selected by Clarke in the squad throughout the early part of 2021.

He was named in the preliminary squad for that summer’s delayed Euros but was one of the unlucky men to miss out when the boss cut the squad to the final group of 26.

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At club level, Considine is a true Aberdeen legend.

Born in nearby Banchory, he came through the ranks at the Pittodrie club and made his first team debut in May 2004 as a 17-year old.

He soon established himself as a regular, spending 18 years as a Dons first team star.

Considine made just shy of 600 appearances for the club and was part of the side that won the League Cup in 2014.

He made an emotional exit from Aberdeen at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, being given a guard of honour and a standing ovation in his final match.

The manner of his departure from Pittodrie was controversial.

Considine had expected to sign a new deal after battling back from a cruciate injury – only for the offer of a contract to be pulled.

That wasn’t the end of his career, however, as he moved to St Johnstone on a free transfer that summer.

Considine spent the last two seasons in Perth, playing 71 times.

It was confirmed in May that he’d be leaving the Saints upon the expiry of his contract and he’s now announced his retirement from the game.

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Taking to Instagram, Considine posted a serious of images from throughout his career.

He shared pictures from when he was a kid, through his time at Aberdeen, playing for Scotland and finally with St Johnstone.

He said: “Sad because it’s over but smiling because it happened.

“Thank you football.”

A host of Considine’s former club and country teammates passed on their well wishes.

Hearts and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland, who previously played for the Dons, said: “Congratulations on a great career Andy, a top top guy! All the best with what’s next!”

Lewis Ferguson simply said: “Legend.”

Ross McCrorie posted: “Legend Andy mate. All the best in the future.”

Richard Foster added: “One of the best guys in the game. Fantastic career and good luck for whatever’s next.”

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