FORMER Celtic forward Simon Donnelly has admitted he is desperate for Scotland to improve on their disappointing performance in last year's Star Sixes tournament.

But he reckons the involvement of ex-Rangers captain Barry Ferguson will help them to challenge for the title.

Donnelly played for his country in the star-studded event at the O2 Arena in London last year.

He was disappointed when his side lost to England and Spain after beating Mexico and failed to reach the knockout stages.

However, the former Parkhead forward is back for another crack and believes the presence of one-time Ibrox midfielder Ferguson will ensure they compete.

Donnelly said “I remember us going down the last time and we all ate together, and the guys were in their jeans and shirts. He (Ferguson) was saying ‘let’s get the Star Sixes Scotland gear on, we’re here as a team.’

“I quite liked that. The emphasis was on the team and it was like that through the four days that we were there. He demands that from us, he’s a good skipper, and hopefully we can put a show on for the home support."

Ferguson will have a lot on his plate in the coming months after yesterday being appointed as the manager of ambitious Lowland League club Kelty Hearts.

But he will need to be at his best to ensure Scotland are competitive given the level of opposition they will be playing against at the SSE Hydro from January 4 to 6 next year.

England, Northern Ireland, he Republic of Ireland and Wales will all field strong sides while Robert Pires, Stiliyan Petrov and Jorg Albertz who will feature for a Rest of the World team.

Donnelly relished playing in the inaugural event last year and is looking forward to taking part on again.

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in football," he said. “It was really enjoyable and it was competitive.

"We went over on the bus to that first game and it was if we were going to the World Cup. You had that bit of fire in the belly again and it was brilliant.

“Unfortunately, we peaked in the first game! Typical Scottish.

“But now we know what we’ve let ourselves in for, not to say we weren’t fit the last time, but we’re definitely going to get together and we want to make a good fist of this. We want to get to the final."

Donnelly urged fans to come along and get behind the home nation as they aim to go all the way in the tournament - and potentially influence some decisions.

“We played England in the second game, and I feel we were cheated," he said.

“We had two penalty claims dismissed, they got a penalty and beat us 3-1. You’re hoping with the backing of the home support that we might get a couple of decisions our way.”

Star Sixes reunites the world’s greatest players in national team colours to renew old rivalries in six-a-side action. SSE Hydro, Glasgow, 4-6 January. Tickets from £20/£10 at www.thessehydro.com