BELGIUM BEST FOR US NOW
RYAN CHRISTIE insists Scotland’s test against the top-ranked side on the planet is the perfect pick-me-up after defeat to Russia.
The Celtic midfielder believes tonight’s clash against Belgium has already helped to dull the hangover from Friday’s loss that became the latest dent to our hopes of being at Euro 2020.
Anything but victory over Roberto Martinez’s side would all but end our hopes of qualification with a second bite at the finals coming via the play-off route after winning their Nations League group.
But Christie’s convinced having the Belgians roll up at Mount Florida has banished the blues before a ball is kicked.
He said: “It’s a huge match for us. It may sound crazy but the fact we are playing Belgium will probably help us in a way because it’s such a big game and everyone is going to be up for it.
“There’s not going to be any hangover because everyone will be wanting to prove they can play against the best when they come to town.
“We were all devastated on Friday night but we will focus on Monday’s game. Everyone knows we have to win.”
Christie will come into Stevie Clarke’s reckoning for a start against the Group I leaders after impacting as a second-half sub against Russia and the 24-year-old is adamant redemption can be found against the world-class Belgians.
He said: “I have no idea if I have played myself into contention. I would be delighted if I play. I’m delighted every time I play for Scotland so we will have to wait and see. But we’ve got a lot of talent throughout the squad so everyone will be champing at the bit to get in and prove a point.
“I don’t think we did it for 90 minutes against Russia but we showed plenty of good attacking football.
“Everyone is buying into the way the manager wants us to play. That’s what makes the result even more gutting. We had a good feeling going into the game and it was frustrating not to get a result.”
Christie reckons it was the failure to keep the ball that cost them against Russia.
He said: “It was pretty disappointing because we started exactly how we wanted by taking the game to Russia and managing to get the early goal. It was frustrating we dropped off after that and let them back into the game.
“It was mentioned at half-time but then they got the second goal and after that it was too late.
“I can’t explain why we dropped off. We maybe just stopped having that composure on the ball.
“But it’s hard, it’s international football and if you don’t keep the ball for extended periods of possession your opponents are going to hurt you.”