GORDON Strachan has urged his players to maintain their discipline in the Russia 2018 qualifier against Malta tonight and avoid picking up needless bookings which will rule them out of the meeting with Slovakia next month.
The national team will be looking to follow up their 3-0 triumph over Lithuania in Vilnius on Friday night with another win when they take on the bottom-placed side in Group F at Hampden this evening.
If they do it will be the first time in 10 years they have won both legs of a qualifying double header and will significantly increase their chances of securing second spot and a play-off place — if England beat Slovakia at Wembley especially.
However, Scott Brown, Leigh Griffiths, Grant Hanley, James McArthur and Charlie Mulgrew are all one yellow card away from a suspension and if any of them are cautioned they will miss the match against Jan Kozak’s side at home on October 5.
Scotland could edge two points clear of Slovakia in second spot with one game remaining — against Slovenia over in Ljubljana three days later — if they win that one and Strachan could do with having the likes of Brown, Griffiths, McArthur and Mulgrew available.
The 60-year-old stressed that he would not leave any player out of his side to face Malta just because they were in danger of being ruled out of the Slovakia game and would urge all of his charges to play their natural game.
However, Strachan, who admitted that being without his captain or first choice centre half or striker would be a concern, has stressed to his charges that they need to be sensible and not fall foul of Danish referee Jakob Kehlet.
He said: “Play the game, but just don’t do silly things. We advised these guys the other night, yes, get angry, but don’t kick the ball away or shout at the referee.
“If you get booked by making a tackle that’s going to help us. If you make a mistake then there is nothing we can do about that.
“Stand up and be counted. Don’t be bullied by anyone for the sake of not getting that yellow card.
“In certain areas we have to be really worried about someone getting a yellow card and in other areas it’s okay because we are well covered there. Again that’s getting back to the strong areas and not so strong areas.”
Asked if was tempted to leave out Brown, Griffiths, McArthur or Mulgrew and pick a lesser side due to the fact that Scotland are expected to beat Malta, who have lost all seven of their qualifying games to date, comfortably, Strachan said: “No, this has to be done. You have to get a win.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here