LEGENDARY Scotland boss Ally MacLeod wanted the national football team to be represented at the 1978 World Cup by the Union Flag, according to a new book published today.

Scotland took part in the World Cup in Argentina at a time when the nation was preparing for a referendum on devolution the following year.

The only one of the home nations to qualify, the late MacLeod famously predicted his star studded team could even win the tournament.

But their early exit has since been linked with the failure to secure a Yes Vote.

Commentator Archie Macpherson, in his new book Adventures in the Golden Age; Scotland in the World Cup Finals 1974-1998, claims MacLeod opted for a Union Flag only to be overruled in no uncertain terms by then SFA secretary Ernie Walker, who insisted on a Saltire.

He said: “It looked like the results of Ally’s team would be seen by certain politicians as having currency at the ballot box.

“He himself was an out-and-out patriot at the time when people, whatever their views, were getting properly embarrassed by the barracking of the National Anthem before games.

“So it was surprising to learn that at the official draw for the cup in Buenos Aires, Ally, who could whip up nationalist sentiment with ease, when asked which flag should represent Scotland at the official line up, chose the Union Jack. “

Adventures in the Golden Age; Scotland in the World Cup Finals 1974-1998, is published by Black and White Publishing, priced £11.99.