Scotland supervisor Steve Clarke insists the main target ought to be on World Cup qualification has he prepares for what might be a private landmark towards Belarus on Sunday.
Clarke will take cost of the nationwide staff for the 72nd time and, in doing so, surpass Craig Brown as Scotland’s longest-serving supervisor by way of matches.
Scotland are at the moment unbeaten after three qualifying video games and sit stage on factors with group leaders Denmark after coming from behind to beat Greece 3-1 on Thursday.
Securing both an automated or play-off place subsequently stays a sensible purpose for Scotland, who might be hoping to finish a 28-year absence from the World Cup finals.
And Clarke insists that can very a lot be the main target of their preparation forward of the go to of Belarus to Hampden Park.
Reflecting on his longevity, Clarke mentioned: “I’d be a bit daft if I wasn’t proud as a result of I’m the primary man to achieve that quantity of video games.
“It’s good, however that’s a bit private factor in the meanwhile. It shouldn’t be about me. It’s in regards to the staff and it’s about making an attempt to get to the World Cup in order that’s what we’re going to deal with.
“The temporary was to qualify for tournaments. We’ve managed to do this twice, however we wish to do it once more as a result of we’re all grasping. The expectation was to do in addition to I might. I’ve all the time appeared on the gamers and also you’re pondering: ‘What can we do to enhance?’ Did I feel it could final this lengthy? In all probability not, however right here I’m.”
Victory over Belarus, coupled with a Greece defeat in Copenhagen, would assure at the least a play-off place for Scotland, nevertheless, Clarke might be with out Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie, who each scored on Thursday however are actually suspended.
Aaron Hickey, who hobbled off within the recreation, can also be a doubt.
And Clarke recognises the problem going through his gamers, however believes related events throughout his time in cost have given him motive for optimism.
“In my tenure, we’ve performed nicely towards the so-called lesser groups within the teams and it’s crucial you get the factors off these groups,” Clarke mentioned.
“It’s crucial we get the factors off Belarus. They’ll come right here, they’ll be organised, they’ll be tough to interrupt down and till you break them down it’s a protracted night time.
“They’ll make it tough however it’s as much as us to guarantee that we method the sport correctly, which we are going to. It’s as much as us to guarantee that we create sufficient possibilities within the recreation to get the group excited, which we hopefully will.
“The group must again the gamers, the gamers want to provide the group one thing to shout about and that’s what we’ll attempt to obtain.”
Scotland tackle Belarus at Hampden Park on Sunday, with the sport kicking off at 17:00 UK time.
