From Macedonia to Methil: capped Stanic thrives in 'different culture'

A FAMILY in Kirkcaldy will warmly gather round a television this afternoon, cheering on their team in the hope of a fruitful start to an eagerly-anticipated World Cup qualifying campaign. Only George Burley's charges will not be the source of their passionate, patriotic support.

While the Macedonia flag may not drape from the living room window for fearing of upsetting passers-by, there can be no denying where loyalties will lie in the Stanic household.

For Goran, the proud former Macedonian internationalist now plying his trade with Methil outfit East Fife in the Scottish Second Division, a home victory would undoubtedly help kick-start his weekend celebrations.

If today is one to savour for the cultured left-back, the first-ever meeting between his home country and his adopted nation at a ground he used to perform at, Monday is also of note.

Skopje-born Stanic turns 36 at the start of the week, with 8 September a date savoured by all his countrymen. It is the day Macedonia celebrates its peaceful secession from Yugoslavia in 1991. Together with his Spanish wife Georgina and two sons, Adrian, eight, and Martin, three, Goran will thus tune into the historic action hoping a memorable period in their lives is further brightened by a Scottish scalp.

"We're all going to watch the game together in the house," he says, excitedly. "Maybe we have some friends over, but I'm not sure yet. No flags, though, no, no.

"It will be very difficult for Macedonia as Scotland are favourites. They have got better players, so I will be happy if Macedonia get a point. A home win would depend on a lot of things, but you never know.

"I celebrate my birthday on Monday, it's the same day as our independence, so a victory would be nice too. It's incredible, the date, I guess for me, but things happen sometimes. The first couple of years was a wee bit of a difficult time for my country, but now it's getting better and better."

Macedonia was not involved in the wars with the Bosnians and the Serbs, but would later come into conflict with Albania. Of course, people who lived there were emotionally involved in the turmoil of the neighbouring states and Goran, who met his wife in Spain when he played for Lleida, moved his family around before they settled on Scotland five years ago. Famously, his friend Antonio Calderon, then the Raith Rovers manager, lured him.

Now he wonders if he will ever leave, but knows today will bring back many memories, having played for FK Vardar and FK Rabotnicki who share the Gradski Stadium where the Scots will commence their campaign.

He added: "When I signed at first in Scotland it was a different culture, a different kind of football. But I liked it in my first year and I'm trying to stay as long as possible.

"I've really enjoyed every game I've played here in Scotland, at all my clubs, Raith, Livingston, St Johnstone and now East Fife. It's been a good experience for me. I have many memories of Macedonia, though, as they are my nation. Playing for your country is the dream of every young player. When I started playing football, it was the same with me. I only have two caps but I'm proud to be part of the Macedonian football history."

Stanic recalls the two matches vividly, the first a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in 2000, the other against Hungary, a 5-0 defeat in 2002.

The former illustrated Macedonia's ability to punch above their weight, wrecking the Irish's Euro 2000 hopes, while recent away draws to Holland and England and a home win over Croatia further prove the point. It is a warning Scotland must heed, but Stanic claims Srecko Katanec's developing outfit are still underdogs despite the expectant searing heat in the Macedonian capital.

"It depends how Scotland approach the game," he states, "because Macedonia are playing well against favourites, although In the last couple of weeks Scotland have tried to pass the favouritism on to Macedonia. Maybe the weather is going with Macedonia, but you never know with the football. Scotland have good players and professionals and the weather shouldn't be a big, big factor in the game."

Stanic feels he merited more national honours, but is resigned to not adding to his tally. "It's too difficult just now. They are making a new team, with younger players and I think now it's impossible."

Instead he hopes Katanec, who has been criticised after failing to meet expectations, can deliver.

He said: "Macedonia expected to finish third or fourth in Euro 2008 qualification and ended up fifth.

"Katanec has been in charge since 2006 but a lot of people don't like him. He is Slovenian and spends all his time there."

But if he spoils Burley's competitive bow today, maybe that Macedonia flag will get an airing in the east after all.