KEVIN Gallacher's road to potential Euro 96 glory opened up again today when he was able to join team-mates Colin Hendry and Billy McKinlay on Scotland's flight to America.

A hamstring injury in the final Premiership game of the season cast a cloud over Gallacher's European Championships build-up.

But he has now made a full recovery and will be aiming to make an impression during Scotland's last two friendlies - against America on Sunday and Colombia tomorrow week - before next month's finals.

The Blackburn Rovers forward (pictured) made an immediate impact after going on as a sub in Scotland's last match at Hampden.

And he will be a definite contender for a place in their line-up once the championships get under way. But he will face tough competition, with Ally McCoist also on today's flight, despite having to pull out of the Scottish Cup final at the last minute.

McCoist said: "I am confident I will be fit for the first match and for Euro 96.

"If I had pulled my calf or strained it, I would be far more worried. I've spoken to Craig Brown and the Rangers doctor has as well.

"I am at the same stage as Saturday which was very close to playing. I am desperate to be involved for Scotland."

Hendry looks a certainty for Scotland in the finals, while McKinlay has also featured regularly in the team or on the bench.

Rovers fans will be watching with extra interest to see if Gallacher can make it a hat-trick.

Meanwhile, the Ewood youngsters are preparing for another game against Ajax next week, when they go back to Holland to play an exhibition game to mark the opening of the Dutch national youth tournament.

It could well be a depleted squad, because of international calls etc, but Dutch masters Ajax already have a healthy respect for Rovers after last weekend's tournament.

And James Beattie, who returned with the player of the tournament trophy, certainly made an impression.

Beattie's four goals in the competition took his tally for the season to a startling 54 but he is simply happy to have made significant progress each season he has been at the club.

"I have managed to get better every season," he said. "I scored 10 as a schoolboy and got 26 last year with the B team.

"Things have just gone better and better."

He has also scored goals in the reserves during the 1995-96 campaign, playing alongside more senior professionals.

"You are always going to get chances playing with payers like that," he added.

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