Striker Kevin Kyle admits he would do anything for a victory
By Thomas McGuigan
Scotland striker Kevin Kyle has admitted he would dive if it helped his country qualify for a major finals.
The issue is once again under the media spotlight after Liverpool striker David Ngog earned a penalty in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.
Asked if he would dive, Kyle said: "Of course I would. If I'm perfectly honest, I don't know how to dive.
"You'll get slaughtered for doing it, but the only thing that matters is your team getting a victory."
Birmingham criticised Liverpool striker Ngog after he went to ground to earn a controversial penalty following a Lee Carsley tackle in Monday's English Premier League game at Anfield.
Despite the visitors' appeals, Steven Gerrard scored from the penalty spot to secure a 2-2 draw.
You never tell anybody to try to dive to win a penalty
Scotland manager George Burley
Kilmarnock striker Kyle, who hopes to feature in Saturday's friendly against Wales, insisted that he does not know how to dive.
"I'm just not that kind of person," he said. "But, if it meant my team could get an advantage or a penalty, I would probably take the opportunity.
"At the end of the day, you just want your team to win. To win at any cost, you take every opportunity available to you."
Kyle's candid comments came days before Scotland face Wales almost 32 years since an infamous World Cup qualifier that led to claims of cheating.
Scotland won a penalty kick - and went on to win the match - when it was ruled that Wales defender David Jones had handled the ball.
However, television replays suggested it was the hand of opposing striker Joe Jordan that had diverted Asa Hartford's long throw.
Present Scotland manager George Burley said diving was a "grey area" but stressed he would never encourage his players to use such methods.
"Sometimes players will get out the way when they can see tackles coming," said Burley.
"It's very important about 'did he do that or did he do this?'
"Every incident is different. As a manager, I well tell my players 'go out there, perform the best you can - be honest, be committed, brave and try to win the game'.
"You never tell anybody to try to dive to win a penalty."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?