Strachan is urged to stay

GORDON STRACHAN has been encouraged to stay on as Scotland boss by his players — even if they fail to qualify for the World Cup. The Scots need to beat Slovakia at Hampden tomorrow night and win in Slovenia on Sunday to make next month’s play-offs as they bid to qualify for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup. Strachan is coming to the end of his two-year deal but Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan has backed his boss to carry on regardless of how they finish the campaign. ‘I can’t speak highly enough of the manager,’ said Bannan. ‘I think if you ask anyone in the squad, he’s a brilliant coach, he’s very handson on the training pitch. We’ve been unlucky in games we’ve lost, like England away where we started off well and had a few chances. ‘We’ve improved as a squad under him.’ Liverpool full back Andy Robertson added: ‘I’d love the gaffer to stay — and I’m sure he will stay because he loves his job. I love the enthusiasm he brings through the week.’