Prankster Ally McCoist has revealed Martin O'Neill's ruthless streak left him looking foolish on live TV.
The Rangers icon was working alongside the then Leicester City boss for BBC during the 1998 World Cup with the pair on duty for the semi-final between France and Croatia.
O'Neill earned rave reviews for his punditry and McCoist has lifted the lid on the time he teed up his broadcasting pal - only for the Celtic legend to take the acclaim.
But the 57-year-old doesn't hold a grudge and admits he has nothing but respect for the Irishman's ingenuity that left Des Lynam and the British public impressed.
Speaking to talkSPORT, McCoist said: "It was a classic. It was World Cup 1998 and I was in the studio with Martin, Des Lynam and I think big Alan Hansen.
"France were playing Croatia in the semi final, Croatia went 1-0 up and we were looking at the goal and we were in agreement that the full-back Lilian Thuram (was to blame).
"For their goal he was hanging about and was guilty of not playing offside
"We went to a wee break and I've said, 'Martin we need to get a look at that again, I think it's Bixente Lizarazu, I think Lizarazu drops back', and sure enough Martin says 'you're spot on Ally, it's Lizarazu who drops back'.
"So we come back after the break and Des says 'what about that goal there, what happened there Martin?', and Martin said 'I was just explaining to Ally, Ally thought it was Lilian Thuram that played them onside but it was actually Lizarazu.'
"He's killed me, he's absolutely hung me out to dry. Brilliant, absolutely genius."
