Former Holland international Johnny Rep has admitted to the dive which helped to eliminate Scotland from the World Cup in 1978.

Ally MacLeod's team needed to defeat the Dutch by three clear goals to progress from the first group stage.

After defeat by Peru and a draw with Iran, Scotland had suffered a disastrous campaign in Argentina and only a major improvement would appease the angry travelling fans.

But, after a Kenny Dalglish strike had been ruled offside in Mendoza, Rep went to ground with goalkeeper Alan Rough and defender Stuart Kennedy crowding his run into the area.

Scotland players claimed the challenge had been legal but Rob Rensenbrink scored from the spot.

The Scots fought back though and, following Archie Gemmill's sublime strike, they led 3-1 before Rep struck himself to ensure Holland progressed.

But now, in a new book entitled '78: How a Nation Lost the World Cup', Rep admits he dived to allow the Dutch their early advantage.

He said: "We were confident of winning and the first team to score in the match was Holland.

"I dare to admit now, that after half-an-hour I committed a schwalbe (a show - a dive).

"This action caused a penalty-kick from which Rob Rensenbrink scored to make it 1-0."

Holland went on to reach the World Cup final where they were beaten by 3-1 hosts Argentina in extra time.