Dailly's Utility Role

ANOTHER game and another position for Christian Dailly to fill on international duty as the Hammers midfielder started at right-wing back for Scotland in their 1-1 draw with USA on Saturday.

A winner of 59 full caps for his country, Dailly has occupied a number of positions during his international career, including every spot along the back-line and varying midfield roles.

All in a day's work though for the versatile 32-year-old, who was just delighted to feature once again for Scotland.

"It's always an honour to play for my country," he said. "It's a pity the way our World Cup qualifying campaign ended against Belarus, but we're optimistic about the future and there is a lot of work to do before the European Championship qualifying campaign begins."

Dailly began the game as his side's captain, but suffered an anxious moment after only nine minutes when his challenge on DaMarcus Beasley had the referee pointing to the spot and Christian fearing that he might see red.

"I did have a slight worry about going off," he confessed, having seen Josh Wolff smash home the penalty to give USA the lead. "I had been pushed up the field as we were attacking, but we had given the ball away.

"We were retreating and the ball was played into their man. I was just trying to get close to him, nudge him a bit and hopefully put him off.

"Unfortunately I didn't get away with the challenge and they took the lead, but at least I didn't get sent off and it was great to pull the goal back through Andy Webster.

"Now it's back to Chadwell Heath to prepare for Sunday's game against Tottenham Hotspur. It should be a great atmosphere at White Hart Lane and a game that both sets of players will be looking forward to."