Another glorious defeat, but from it can spring inspiration

AS THE ball hit the back of the net, a high-pitched scream ripped through the air like a teething toddler strapped to a megaphone and a forty-something pogoed from the sofa uttering "colourful" invective that would not have disgraced the Scottish Politician of the Year awards.

Barry Ferguson's goal in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier shot undiluted national adrenaline into despondent Scots everywhere and left me hooked, exhilarated, involved, restless, hopeful, astonished then finally hoarse, speechless and tearful.

But ...