Punditry purchase of the World Cup simply has to be Ally McCoist.

Flirting with the flighty Sue Barker on Question of Sport was thought to be his forte, but the Scot's cheeky charm has proved the perfect foil to Des and chums.

But, whatever Ally may have added to the Beeb's France 98 coverage, tipster of the tournament he is not.

The Glasgow Rangers goal snaffler began his 'friend of the bookmakers' series by tipping Spain. The Spaniards were promptly bounced out in round one.

Last night, Coisty picked out Boban as the player we simply HAD to watch. The Croatia skipper was guilty of giving away the French equaliser and hauled off soon after.

The professorial Martin O'Neill knew the score: "The only way Croatia can win is if McCoist tips them. He has been wretched all the way through."

And even Des Lynam weighed in with a half-time dig at his mate in mirth, announcing the Lottery draw thus: "You probably know the result of this, Ally."

But the world's worst forecaster has been the find of the tournament.

As sharp in analysis as he was deadly from six yards, Ally runs rings round the static and sniping Mark Lawrenson and even threatens the impregnable defences of Alan Hansen.

However, take this Kicking and Screening tip - put your money on France for the final. Why?

"It doesn't matter who won this one," McCoist said last night. "Brazil will win it anyway."

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