SCOTS LOOKING FOR WARRIOR SPIRIT

ALEX McLEISH wants Scotland to come out fighting in their Nations League opener against Albania at Hampden Park tonight. The Scots are still recovering from the 4-0 friendly defeat by World Cup semi-finalists Belgium at the national stadium on Friday night, their biggest home loss in 45 years. McLeish, who confirmed Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has recovered from a knock, is hoping for what he believes to be a typical Scottish response to adversity in the first Group C1 fixture. ‘Scottish mentality is often questioned. Very often when Scots are backed into a corner they come out fighting and give their best performances,’ said McLeish. ‘I am not saying that everyone is against us but the players know to get their names on the international map again they have to be winning these games.’ McLeish, in his second spell as national team boss, stressed the importance of a change in perception of the country’s football team, who have not qualified for a major finals since the 1998 World Cup in France. The newly-formed UEFA tournament offers an increased chance of reaching the 2020 European Championships and the former Scotland defender is looking to take advantage. ‘I am hearing from people that it is more hope than expectation. ‘We have to change that perception and the players are motivated,’ he added. ‘This is where it starts and it is a great opportunity for us to get our name on the map again.’