Reuters

McManus enjoys captaincy

Updated 11.05 Thu Mar 27 2008

Keywords: old firm, rangers, celtic, stephen mcmanus, george burley, scotland, football, sport

Stand-in captain Stephen McManus described Scotland's 1-1 draw with Croatia as one of the highlights of his career.

McManus was chosen to lead the team when Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson pulled out of the squad along with his clubmates Christian Dailly, Lee McCulloch and Allan McGregor and Celtic midfielder Barry Robson.

"I would have missed out on a big opportunity" - Stephen McManus

All five of those players are expected to play in the Old Firm game between Celtic and Rangers on Sunday, but McManus is pleased he did not follow their lead by withdrawing from the squad.

He said: "I would have missed out on a big opportunity for myself so I am pleased to have played in it. It was one of the highlights of my career.

"It was a good game to play in and I think a draw was probably a fair result. We had a few chances and could maybe have sneaked it but they are a very good side.

"It was very competitive game but those are the best games to play in, both sides got into each other which is the best way to play."