Nicholl's diamond

Jimmy Nicholl will apologize to his old Ibrox buddy Ally McCoist for suggesting his Scotland place is under threat.

The Millwall gaffer was mortified to read that he had tipped his own striker Stevie Crawford to take over from the veteran.

Nick admitted yesterday: "Ally was injured at the time and I said that if Crawford could get around 30 goals this season he should be considered for a Scotland recall.

"People may say it's only in the Second Divisiondown here but gaolscoring it difficult at any level.

"Attaining such a target would prove he has the right credentials for his country.

"But I never even suggested he should get McCoist's place. Nevertheless I'll tell him I'm sorry if it caused any offence."

But Nick, who has steered his side into pole position in unfashionable Nationwide Division Two, is certain that Crawford will be a star of the future for his country.

He insisted: "He's on fire right now five goals in his last four games.

"I have always known he was a natural goalscorer but there were times when he was too easily brushed off the ball.

"Believe me that does not happen nowadays although this is a very physical league. He has added strength and maturity to his play and will stand his ground against anyone.

"His game has now come together and he has been excellent in leading the line. It was a big decision for the lad to turn down Aberdeen and come here but I was always very confident that he would commit himself here."

Nick has the Lions roaring their promotion claim - in stark contrast to his former club Raith Rovers, who could be heading for the drop.

He added: "We will win promotion but I'm not patting myself on the back. A year ago this club was sitting at the top of the First Division.

"The fans expected us to be playing against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. They never anticipated going down.

"It is a huge task to win them over despite being unbeaten in our last ten games.

"All we can do is keep winning and scoring and hope they will get right behind us.

"The players need this support to produce their best."

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