Vogts expected Ireland defeat

UNDER-FIRE Scotland boss Berti Vogts has amazingly revealed he knew they would lose to the Republic of Ireland last week after some of his players failed to sing the national anthem.

The Scots were easily beaten 2-0 by Ireland at Hampden Park on Wednesday night in Brian Kerr's first game in charge of the Irish.

It was Vogts' seventh defeat in 10 internationals since taking charge just over a year ago and he admitted he feared the worst when he saw some of his players fail to sing the national anthem before the game.

"At the anthems before the game, five or six players were singing and the rest didn't look up for it," said Vogts.

"And after the game had been going for two minutes I said to Tommy Burns 'this isn't going to be our day'.

"The first strong tackle came from Ireland."

Meanwhile, Vogts is set to bring England Under-20 international David Noble into the Scotland set-up.

The West Ham midfielder, whose father is Scottish, has played at youth and Under-20 level for England, but is able to play for Scotland as he has not played a competitive game for England.

The former Arsenal ace is open to the chance to pledge his allegiance to Scotland.

"I'm available to play for Scotland if selected," said Noble.

Vogts was delighted that Noble had made himself available for Scotland.

"I am very happy David has decided to make himself available to us," added Vogts.