Willie Pettigrew had been a prolific scorer for Motherwell for many years and was eventually rewarded with a chance in the national team against Switzerland in a friendly. It The Tartan Army must have thought a new hero had been born instantly when he found the net so quickly and this strike after just two minutes remains the quickest debut goal of any Scotland player.
Despite this winning goal in a 1-0 victory, Willie's chances for the Scotland side were limited although he did finish his international career with a very respectable five caps and two goals to his name. Competition for the striking berths was incredibly fierce at this time and we can only wish for that kind of strength in depth today!
After Willie's second and last goal for Scotland, against Wales, Motherwell fans would have a long time to wait until another player from the club would find the net on international duty. James McFadden found the net shortly after being transferred to Everton so the honour of ending this run fell instead to David Clarkson in 2008. His consolation goal in Prague ended a wait of over 30 years although it wasn't enough to earn him a real chance under George Burley to confirm his place in the squad and he has since dropped out of contention.
The first edition of the GLF fanzine in 1989 carried an interview (Oh, Wullie Wullie!) with the great man and he still has close links with the club today. He was given an ovation by both sets of fans when he made a half time appearance at Tannadice last month.
It may not be another 30 years until the next Motherwell player scores for Scotland - but with the way things look now it might still be quite a while!