Hughes tribute to Stein

Scotland's first game in Cardiff since the death of Jock Stein 19 years ago will bring sad memories flooding back for Wales manager Mark Hughes tonight.

Hughes scored at Ninian Park back in 1985 when the two countries clashed in a World Cup qualifier. Only a late and controversial Davie Cooper penalty secured Scotland the equaliser that took them into the playoffs. But seconds after the match Scotland manager Stein collapsed and died in the tunnel.

Wales have only faced Scotland once since then, a 1-0 friendly win in Kilmarnock in 1997.

Hughes said: 'Back in '85, it was a very important game but the death of Jock Stein meant events on the pitch paled into insignificance. It cast a cloud over everything.

'Alex Ferguson, his assistant, was in the dug-out next to Jock. Even though I have known Alex for years, to this day it is not something we have discussed.'