CRAIG BROWN could play the practical joke of the decade tonight by leaving Duncan Ferguson out of the Scotland team which opens the `98 World Cup campaign against Austria in Vienna. Except that nobody would find it at all funny.

The anticipation which surrounds Ferguson's return to international football - this will be his first outing in the dark blue for almost two years - borders on hysteria. There is widespread optimism that he could be the new dynamic the Scotland team need to take them safely through a World Cup qualifying group which includes Austria, Sweden, Belarus, Latvia and Estonia.

Ally McCoist, his former Rangers clubmate, will partner him in the front line at the Ernst Happel Stadium tonight. The veteran McCoist, who will be 34 in a few weeks' time, seems rejuvenated by the prospect. "The big man is obviously fitter than he has been in years after all his injury problems," said McCoist after training yesterday. "He is a terrific talent, as we've seen in his opening premiership matches recently. I'm not going overboard, I'm not saying he can be another Dalglish. But He could be another Joe Jordan, with a bit more talent on the ground. Big Joe used to worry opponents, something we haven't done since he left." If Ferguson can help the Scots avoid defeat tonight, his ignominious past will be instantly replaced by glorious present.