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Kenny Dalglish backs Hampden Park as home of Scottish football

Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish ahead of the UEFA Europa League round of 16, first leg football match between Liverpool and Manchester U
Image: Kenny Dalglish calls for Scottish football to stay at Hampden Park

Kenny Dalglish has backed Hampden Park to remain as the home of Scottish football.

There has been talk of moving major internationals as well as domestic cup matches away from Hampden in recent weeks, with Murrayfield touted as a possible venue for the Scottish Football Association.

The SFA remains in discussion with Queen's Park over extending the lease at Hampden, which is due to expire in 2020, while the Scottish Rugby Union has revealed it is in talks over the potential use of Murrayfield.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 02: Scotland manager Gordon Strachan and his squad are seen during a training session ahead of the  FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifi
Image: The SFA's lease at Hampden Park is due to expire in 2020

However, Dalglish, capped 102 times for Scotland, insisted Hampden must remain the home of Scottish football and dismissed the idea of using the rugby stadium to host football matches.

"I read about the lease being up for Hampden and people saying Scotland might leave," he said. "How can Scottish football move from Hampden? It's home.

"I've been at Murrayfield for a rugby match. It might be a fantastic stadium, but would they want to play rugby at Hampden? I don't think so.

"Murrayfield is a fantastic facility, which is not to be sneered at, but Hampden is the home of Scottish football. You don't want to be moving away from that.

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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 10:  A minute's silence is observed ahead the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Scotland and England at Hampden Park National
Image: Murrayfield has been earmarked as a possible replacement should the SFA depart Hampden Park

"Geographically it's good to move around the country to give Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, a shout. But take it to Tynecastle or Easter Road, keep it in a football ground.

"But keep Hampden. I don't know what the finances are to renovate it, but traditionally, you need your home, and Hampden is the home of Scottish football."

Hampden has been the home of Scottish football since hosting its first international in 1906, and Dalglish has fond memories of watching from the stands, as well as playing.

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"I remember going to Hampden as a wee boy," the former Celtic and Liverpool man said. "You always got a buzz going to Hampden. I don't know if that's gone now, but even going to watch an international at Hampden was fantastic.

"When you get older you get the chance to play there.

"I remember when they opened it. They had the geriatrics playing against Queen's Park. Rod Stewart played. I don't know if it needs money but it's got to stay there."

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