PICTURES: Highland cycle hero Roddy Riddle’s kilt back on international duty 30 years after Commonwealth Games appearance for Scotland

It will be just one wee flash of colour amid a vast sea of tartan and Saltires in Cologne’s RheinEnergieStadion tonight.

But could it be a lucky charm for Scotland and the Tartan Army?

Clachnacuddin footballer Aly Riddle will be at the match wearing cyclist dad Roddy’s coveted kilt from the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada.

Those games proved a proud moment in Roddy’s international racing career with a ninth place finish in the road race prelude to the following year’s phenomenal success in beating Flying Scotsman Graeme Obree’s Scottish hour record.

Three decades on, the old man’s specially-designed Commonwealth national dress fits former Caley Thistle winger Aly like a glove.

The 20-year-old booked flights with three pals to watch the national team in German fanzones in Frankfurt and Cologne before landing tickets for three games – Scotland’s games against Switzerland and Hungary and the Turkey v Portugal match – in the UEFA ballot.

Given Scotland’s disastrous 5-1 tournament opening defeat to Germany on Friday, watched in Scotland by the Riddles, it is to be hoped the 1994 Scottish tartan will bring Stevie Clarke and Co some good fortune against Switzerland.

RELATED STORY: Inverness cyclist Roddy Riddle recalls his record-breaking triumph 25 years later

Certainly, it brought good karma for the legendary runner Yvonne Murray in 1994 as she graced the Victoria, British Columbia games with a famous gold in the 10,000 metres.

“It is the first time Aly has worn it. He tried it on the day before he left and it fitted absolutely perfectly,” Roddy said.

“After the disaster against Germany, a few folk are saying the kilt might bring Scotland luck! Fingers crossed.

“The kilt is special to me because it was probably one of the best moments of my career.

“Going into the opening ceremony wearing it was unforgettable. The games were in Canada and there were so many former Scots living out there.

“After the hosts, we got the second biggest cheer coming into the stadium – it was so loud.

“I remember the goosebumps. It was a ‘wow’ moment and the first time my parents had ever been abroad as well, so a special moment to have them there watching.

“I also had my brother Kenny there beside me because he represented Scotland as well. It was some experience for us, pulling on a Scotland jersey and competing for our country.”

Aly, once the matches are done, will fly straight back home and into pre-season training with Clach, but should be in good shape.

“Aly loves being out with Scotland, but he’s tee-total and has never been interested in drinking, so he should be fighting fit!,” Roddy explained.

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