Matt Le Caddie

Matt Le Tissier (right) helps Richard Bland call the shots

Retired former England footballer Matt Le Tissier is gracing the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond with a new goal.

The 33-year-old is acting as caddie to Richard Bland and hoping to help his friend catch overnight leader Justin Rose after his opening round 68 left him three off the pace.

Le Tissier, who has given up the professional game after a 16-year career at Southampton, admitted to dropping a bag during the first round.

"Thankfully, it wasn't in the middle of his backswing," he said.

I might turn out for a Jewsen Wessex League team, Eastleigh, this season

Matt Le Tissier

Le Tissier and Bland are both members of Stoneham Golf Club, where the footballer plays off an eight handicap.

Bland invited him to caddie for him on the Challenge Tour last year and, because they got on so well, he offered him the chance to do a main tour event.

"I'm really enjoying it - and he's playing great," Le Tissier said.

"I was trying to remember not to stand on anybody's line on the greens, but I can't say I felt any pressure. He's the one hitting the shots, not me."

Live: Loch Lomond

Not that Le Tissier is thinking of taking it up full-time.

"It is just a one-off I think," he said. "It's too much like hard work."

Le Tissier is presently contemplating a life outwith professional football and said: "I am not going to coach or manager or anything. It's not really my scene.

"I might turn out for a Jewsen Wessex League team, Eastleigh, this season if I miss the football that much."

He was calling the clubs half the time

Richard Bland

Le Tissier is at the end of his sporting career after a final, injury-plagued season during which he only played just five times for his beloved English Premiership club.

But he believes that, for the 29-year-old Bland, the good times have only just begun.

Englishman Bland was involved in a four-man play-off for the Irish Open only two weeks ago.

And Le Tissier suggested: "He has a bundle of ability and, if he believes in himself enough, he can do well."

Bland was, in turn, full of praise for his caddie.

"Matt did great," he said. "He was calling the clubs half the time and we didn't get one wrong."