SCOTLAND'S 92-degree friendly against the USA had Jim Leighton thinking back to the heat and humidity of Mexico 86. The veteran goalkeeper, Christian Dailly and John Collins were deeply affected by a stamina-sapping 90 minutes. Leighton still managed to chalk up his 46th clean sheet in 92 caps but admitted: "The only other time I felt as hot during a game was in Mexico. That stadium was 7,000 feet above sea level and the match was at noon with temperatures over 100 degrees. The heat and humidity in Washington was quite exceptional. Everyone knows that a big part of my game is shouting at the defenders. But I had to pack that idea in against the Americans. The first time I went to do it I felt faint. "A lot of good points came out of the game with the Americans. For a start we kept a clean sheet for the first time since qualifying for the finals. We are also keeping the ball and have learned to be patient. If that had been Brazil out there and not Scotland, people would have been raving about the display. With Andy Goram heading home earlier in the week, Aberdeen keeper Leighton is now a definite starter for the tournament's opening game against Brazil and added: "If you can't get excited about facing Brazil you shouldn't be in the game.'' Despite the trying conditions in Washington and his side's failure to score, Scotland manager Craig Brown remains in confident mood and says the Scots will be going to France in good heart. The Scotland coach declared: "There is a mood of cautious optimism in the camp. The training camp in America has been a resounding success. The weather has been first class, the food has been good and the players have been gelling well. "Perhaps there were one or two complaints about the humidity of today but it's been brilliant preparation for France. No team has scored more than two goals against us in the last four-and-a-half to five years and that's a tremendous record. The two strikers, Darren Jackson and Kevin Gallacher, both worked very hard, although we have to improve on our scoring record." Brown knows that when the World Cup kicks off, Scotland cannot afford to miss chances like those that went begging against the USA. Chief culprit was Blackburn striker Gallacher, who twice squandered good opportunities in the second half. The first came when he was sent clear by Jackson, but with only USA keeper Kasey Keller to beat he looked hesitant before scuffing a tame shot straight at Keller's legs. His second attempt was created by Dailly, but again Keller came to the Americans' rescue. Gallacher later admitted: "I had one or two good chances and should have buried the first one but I gave myself too much time." The USA draw saw Brown's team complete their warm-up programme without any further injuries and Brown said: "The squad that has returned from America will be the squad that will go to France, barring any unfortunate overnight injuries. We have no real worries about Gordon Durie's fitness. He should be okay by next week. The squad will be officially announced on Tuesday when Brown informs FIFA. Scotland World Cup squad (probable) Goalkeepers: Leighton (Aberdeen), Sullivan (Wimbledon), Gould (Celtic); Defenders: Boyd (Celtic), Calderwood (Tottenham), Dailly (Derby), Elliott (Leicester), Hendry (Blackburn), T McKinlay (Celtic), J McNamara (Celtic), Weir (Hearts), Whyte (Aberdeen); Midfielders: Burley (Celtic), Collins (Monaco), Gemmill (Nottm Forest), Lambert (Celtic), B McKinlay (Blackburn); Strikers: Booth (Borussia Dortmund), Donnelly (Celtic), Durie (Rangers), Gallacher (Blackburn), Jackson (Celtic).

DUNCAN DOES ONE: SCOTLAND'S MISSING STRIKER LEGS IT TO THE SUN   SCOTLAND fans wanting to see their best attacking line-up this summer should take a trip to Liverpool Cathedral rather than France. With Craig Brown's squad looking pathetically short of firepower against the USA in Washington DC on Saturday, the Scotland coach is praying for a goalscoring miracle to help them through their World Cup group matches. How Brown could do with Everton striker Duncan Ferguson and veteran Ally McCoist, but Ferguson has turned his back on his country after his treatment by the Scottish FA and McCoist has been cast aside by the coach. Ferguson is getting married to girlfriend Janine Tasker at Liverpool Cathedral this summer and his ex-Rangers team-mate will be there to watch him tie the knot. And while the Scotland squad have been toiling their way through their warm-up programme, the Everton striker has been basking on a beach in the Caribbean to top up his tan before his big day. The 27-year-old Scot refuses to talk to the media, but looked in relaxed mood, playing table tennis with his fiancée and chilling out by the pool of the £140-a-night Sandals Royal Bahamian hotel. Ferguson has been keen to keep his bride-to-be out of the spotlight, but ironically has invited the Hello magazine cameras into the cathedral to document their wedding day. The whole Everton team are expected to attend the ceremony, which will be a massive event in the city. The good news for Brown and the Scotland squad is that if they are eliminated after their group matches, they'll still have three days to get their bags packed and get to the church to cheer Duncan on as he says his vows. Which is nice.

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