Vogts secures Lambert return

Scotland coach Berti Vogts has persuaded Paul Lambert to return to the national team and lead the country into the EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign.

Vogts approach
Vogts approached Lambert last week to ask Lambert to reverse his retirement from international football and the Celtic FC captain has agreed after meeting Vogts at Hampden Park on Wednesday.

'Delighted with this decision'
"I am delighted with this decision, as I am sure Paul will set an example to the young talent which will be a major part of the Scotland team in the future," said Vogts. "He will captain the team and his talents will be a major asset for our hopes of qualifying. He is not doing this for his own benefit, it is a selfless decision for the benefit of the national team, and I applaud him for taking this step."

Hard decision
Lambert last played for Scotland in Belgium last September and has agreed to extend his international career until the summer of 2003, the end of next season. "This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I had not intended to make a comeback, but I was impressed by what Berti had to say," said Lambert. "I have also spoken to [Celtic coach] Martin O'Neill, who has been very supportive. I am now looking forward to playing my part in Berti's team."