Dundee United’s greatest goalkeeper, Hamish McAlpine, has tipped the man who now wears the gloves at Tannadice to star if given the chance at the World Cup.
McAlpine, voted the club’s all-time number one to mark their centenary season, was as delighted as any supporter when he heard current incumbent Dusan Pernis will be representing Slovakia at the finals in South Africa this month.
Pernis (25) made it into his country’s squad and is now building up to their Group F opener against New Zealand in Rustenburg on June 15, with clashes against Paraguay, and defending champions Italy to follow.
McAlpine, who missed out on full Scotland recognition despite being a key member of United’s finest side, has seen enough from the giant Slovak to know he is ready for the step up in class.
So if Pernis is called upon to take the place of likely first-choice Jan Mucha, McAlpine is confident he can do himself and his club justice.
McAlpine said, “He has all the attributes to be a success and what bigger stage than the World Cup to prove he has what it takes? It doesn’t matter that he is initially going there as back-up.
“The most important fact is that he is going in the first place.”
He added, “Nobody knows what can happen between now and the start of it all.
“He is still young but will never get a better opportunity should things work out the way he would like.”
McAlpine had to watch on TV when Scotland played in previous World Cups, with an obvious highlight the wonder goal scored by fellow United legend Dave Narey against Brazil in 1982 in Spain.Coup for UnitedHe said, “That created a huge feeling back in this country. It is still spoken about these days and it just goes to show what can happen at such a massive level.
“I am not saying having Pernis over in South Africa and him doing well will have the same effect, but it is a wonderful coup for the club to have a player at this kind of tournament.”
He added, “I am looking forward to seeing the games. When it all starts I will settle down and watch it and to have a player from Tannadice there makes it all the more interesting.”
With Pernis measuring 6ft 3in, McAlpine admits the stature of goalkeepers nowadays is completely different to his playing days.
McAlpine said, “I would be considered just a wee guy compared to some of the big lads going round these days.
“I was only 5ft 10in during my prime and when you see the likes of Pernis and Nicky Weaver they are huge by comparison.
“But as well as having height, I think you have to have the reflexes and the timing to be a top keeper.”
He added, “I don’t know who the best keeper at the tournament will be, but I hope that if Dusan gets his opportunity then he will shine.”