17 Nov 2008St John slams international friendlies

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Former Liverpool and Scotland striker Ian St John has today (November 17th) hit out at the number of international friendlies being played in the current era.

Scotland's next friendly at Hampden on Wednesday has been given extra billing as it marks Diego Maradona's first game in charge of their opponents, Argentina.

However, St John, who was speaking about his induction to Scottish Football's Hall of Fame, explained that such fixtures are a nuisance to players and club managers alike.

He said: "Today there's a massive amount of games and I think too many international matches. They're playing friendlies for nothing.

"All it does is antagonise the club managers who get the hump because their players are away again.

"I don't think the players really want it as they've got so much football that they don't really need friendly international matches."

Despite the criticism, he added that he was looking forward to seeing the new-look Argentina side being put together by Maradona, who is something of a hero in Scotland after his 'Hand of God' goal knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup.

St John made 425 appearances for Liverpool between 1961 and 1971, scoring 118 goals in the process.

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