Soccer: I'll cheer along with Tartan Army, says Hendry
Scotland international Colin Hendry insists that he will be the loudest voice in the stands for his country’s remaining World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA reduced the defender’s six-game ban for elbowing San Marino substitute Nicola Albani to just three matches.
Hendry will miss the remaining qualifying games, but will be available for the finals if Scotland make it to Japan and South Korea.
But the Bolton player, who capped a great day by helping Wanderers to the First Division play-off final last night, insists that he will be doing all he can as a spectator to help Craig Brown’s side to the finals.
"It was in my mind that it might be all over for Scotland, but I was delighted that the ban was cut because I never tried to hurt the San Marino kid," Hendry said.
"The news from Zurich lifted me so much and now this is fantastic for Bolton.
"As far as Scotland is concerned, I did the right thing to appeal. I have been justified in what I have said and done.
"I am pleased with the outcome. I have never claimed to be innocent I admitted my mistake and I apologised for it at the time.
"Since then, I have tried to explain what happened and I feel I was also right to fight the original decision.
"I would love the lads to get to the World Cup finals. I will be there with them in spirit if not on the pitch.
"I will go to the games. As long as club commitments allow, I will be roaring them on from the stands.
"I am grateful to David Taylor and the SFA who have stood by me and my adviser, John Colquhoun, for making sure that I got a good hearing. They played a great part."
