EDGARAS Jankauskas has ordered his Lithuania players not to concede any free-kicks within scoring range for Leigh Griffiths when they take on Scotland in a Russia 2018 qualifier in Vilnius tonight.
Jankauskas, the former Hearts striker who won the Champions League with Porto in 2004, remembers Griffiths from his spell as a player at Tynecastle.
He was impressed with the late set-piece double which the Celtic striker netted for Gordon Strachan’s side in the Group F match with England at Hampden in June.
The 42-year-old, whose side drew 1-1 with Scotland at Hampden in October, has warned his charges not to provide the Scotland centre forward with any chances to score with his dead-ball delivery.
“We have seen the last game against England and we have analysed it,” he said. “We saw a strong Scotland, we saw their high pressing style, their dynamism, their attacking ability and their aggressive play.
“The result was also good, although they conceded a goal at the end. The Scotland team has confidence and we know with the standings how much they need the points. They will be very motivated for this match because they know there is no way back for them if they lose.
“I know the players, especially Leigh Griffiths, even from my time at Hearts. I remember his free-kicks and he reminded us of them very well in the game against England. I forbid my players to foul in these areas! I rate Scotland very highly and I would not be surprised if Scotland qualified from the group because they are not weaker than any team. They have proven that in the recent games against Slovenia and England.”
Jankauskas played with both Christophe Berra and Craig Gordon during the two seasons that he spent on loan at Hearts from FBK Kaunas and they lifted the Scottish Cup together in 2006.
He has been pleased to see Gordon resurrect his career at Celtic after recovering from a serious knee injury and knows his Lithuania players will have to be at their best to score against his former team-mate.
“Craig has been doing well since he came back,” he said. “He’s a top keeper. I remember my time at Hearts 10 years ago and he was a top player then already.
“Over the years, he has gained more experience. In the past, he could only play with his left foot. Now it is left and right.
“He’s tough to beat in any department. He’s quick, good on the crosses, smart and commanding: a top keeper. I hope he’s not unbeatable!
“We’ll see. I’ve scored a few goals in training against him!”
Vykintas Slivka, the Hibernian midfielder who is expected to start for Lithuania, dismissed suggestions the artificial surface would favour the home team.
“We are not happy with it,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it gives us an advantage because our players play on grass as well. It is artificial grass, which is unusual for a football player, but we just have to deal with it. ”
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