In the same way as selectors once whistled down a South Wales colliery for a Welsh fly half or called down a Yorkshire mine shaft for an English fast bowler, Scottish junior football once supplied a conveyor belt carrying strapping centre-halves to the elite game.
Gordon McQueen, who has died aged 70, was one of the most illustrious of this breed. Standing at 6ft 3in with his imposing frame topped off by a mop of blond hair, McQueen was a striking presence at the heart of defence for Leeds United, Manchester United and the Scottish national team.