21 March 2013 21:44
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan is confident his side are well equipped for their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Wales on Friday.
Strachan’s team sit at the foot of Group A, having drawn twice and lost twice in four matches, effectively ending their hopes of qualifying for the competition in Brazil next year.
While the wait goes on for a first appearance at major tournament since 1998, the former Southampton and Coventry boss believes his players can make at least an impact against Wales, if they play to the best of their ability.
“The players are aware where there might be danger in the (Wales) team. We’ve contingency plans for everything,” he told reporters.
“If we play to our potential, which they’ve shown throughout the week, then we’re expecting us to cause problems.”
Strachan steered away from describing Friday’s game at Hampden Park as a revenge mission following Scotland’s 2-1 defeat to Wales in Cardiff last October.
“I don’t know. You’d need to speak to them,” he said when asked if that loss would spur his players on.
“What they’ve got to remember is the good bits about that game. They could have won the game and should have won the game.
“Unfortunately the footballing gods were against them that night but I don’t think they’ll need any more motivation.”