Magic moment for Doug as he replaced Eusebio

Scotland play the United States on Friday with a squad containing several players born outside the country.

The policy provokes much debate, but the Americans have been doing it more than 60 years.

In 1975, Doug Wark was capped by the USA just seven years after leaving Scotland.

It was the highlight of an incredible adventure that included becoming a team-mate of the legendary Eusebio.

He recalls: “I decided to move to the States in 1968 when I was 16.

“I was brought up in Clydebank but my dad was already living in New Jersey and got re-married to an American girl.

“I was able to move across and become an American citizen by taking part in a swearing-in process.

“I played football while studying at Hartwick College.

“The NASL had a draft system for players and I was signed by the Rochester Lancers.

“I only spent one season there before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1975.

“I had more clubs than Arnold Palmer.

“I can’t decide if it’s because I was such a good player that I was always in demand or coaches were keen to get rid of me!”

Doug’s first season with the Rowdies was one to remember.

He explains: “We went all the way and won the Soccer Bowl at the first attempt.

“Our team had a sprinkling of Scots guys like Eddie Austin, Alex Pringle, John Boyle of Chelsea and former Dundee goalkeeper Mike Hewitt.”

Being part of a winning team helped Doug to be selected to represent the USA against Poland in Seattle.

He says: “The national side wasn’t nearly as well organised as it is now.

“Manny Schellscheidt was the manager and he knew me from New Jersey.

“The team had been beaten 10-0 by Italy in their last game so we weren’t too attacking.

“I was left-winger but spent most of the game trying to stop their right back attacking.

“We lost 4-0 but it was a great thrill to play international football.

“Another Scot, Charlie McCully, flew with the Polish squad back to his club in Hartford.

“He said they were all drinking neat vodka on the plane. They walked away when they touched down but he had to be helped off!”

Doug played for clubs in San Diego, Las Vegas, San Jose, Cincinnati, Baltimore and San Francisco.

He went on: “My first match for Las Vegas Quicksilvers was billed as “The Prince against the King.”

“Eusebio was playing for us and Pele was with New York Cosmos. I had to pinch myself when Eusebio got injured and I was told to replace him.”

Doug, now 61, lives in the Tampa area, and works in construction.

He says: “It’s tough for me when Scotland plays USA but you can never take Scotland out of the Scotsman.”