SCOTS FEAR AN EVEN GREATER HUMILIATION
Tomorrow: 5pm SCOTLAND midfielder John Mcginn fears whipping boys San Marino will complete his nation’s humiliation this weekend.
The Scots slumped to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat in Kazakhstan on Thursday and Aston Villa star Mcginn says that if they play as badly tomorrow they will lose again to a team ranked by FIFA as the worst in the world.
Mcginn (above, with Liam Palmer after the defeat on Thursday) said:
“Kazakhstan away is a game we should win. We went into the game as favourites but if you put in a performance like that anyone will beat you. If we go to San Marino with that attitude we will get done.”
Manager Alex Mcleish, under heavy pressure following the Kazakhstan humiliation, has vowed not to throw in the towel – and even fancies Scotland to qualify from a group that includes Belgium and Russia. Asked if he’ll quit, Mcleish said: “No. This is in my genes. Of course it’s hard but I never feel I’m on a hiding to nothing.
“I still feel it’s a fantastic challenge. If we can do it now and qualify from this setback it will be the greatest ever. Right now everybody is telling me it’s the worst ever, but that’s what I have to believe, that we can turn it around.”
The Scots travel to Serravalle to face the no-hopers of European football who are trying to avoid their 30th defeat in a row. They kicked off their Euro 2020 campaign in predictable style by being crushed 5-0 by Cyprus. Scotland are 1-66 to win. San Marino manager Franco Varrella said: “The Cyprus game was a big test for us, but we will look forward to playing Scotland. We need to match their competitive spirit and see what happens.” DAVID BROOKS is ready to inspire Wales to Euro 2020 after thriving in the Premier League – despite defenders threatening to break his legs.
The exciting attacker is enjoying a stellar first full season for club and country. He has just signed a new long-term contract at Bournemouth after only joining them last summer from Sheffield United.
His promise on the international stage has been rewarded with the player of the year and young player of the year award at the FAW’S annual bash this week.
And while Wales’ record goalscorer Gareth Bale, who got the players’ player of the year award, remains their main act, Brooks, who has nine caps, is now a force in his own right.
But it means defenders are resorting to desperate measures to stop him and he knows his penchant for nutmegs can attract unwanted attention.
Brooks said: “You are going to get kicks and bruises all over the pitch. You have to try to deal with them.
“I wouldn’t call it a speciality, but when the opportunity arises I like to attempt a nutmeg and thankfully they have been coming off.
“Players haven’t really said anything apart from, ‘If you do it again I will snap you’.”
Brooks, 21, declined to name names, but revealed he is still nursing an ankle injury from a challenge by Mo Diame from Bournemouth’s draw with Newcastle in their last game.
He was among those rested by boss Ryan Giggs for their midweek friendly win over Trinidad & Tobago, but he hopes to be fit for tomorrow’s opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia.
He added: “When I went into the league, you back yourself to do well. But to make the impact I did, as early on, I wouldn’t have probably guessed and assumed I was going to do that.
“The word pressure gets thrown about, but I don’t see it as pressure. I go out to do my best and it will be no different for Wales.”
Wales, who reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals, will be expected