Scots to play on plastic in Vilnius

LITHUANIA have confirmed Scotland’s next World Cup game will take place in Vilnius with Gordon Strachan’s side set to face their first competitive match on an artificial surface.

Scotland are still in the hunt for a play-off spot for the 2018 Russia World Cup and their next game against the Baltic nation in September will be crucial.

The Lithuanians have no national stadium and held off making any official announcement about the venue for the Scots’ visit.

But Lithuanian Football Federation General Secretary Nerijus Dunauskas has now revealed Scotland and England will both face them at the LFF Stadium.

That will mean a ticket scramble for the Tartan Army because the stadium has a capacity of just 5067 and Scotland fans will receive a very limited ticket allocation.

Dunauskas said: “Stadiums in Kaunas and Marijampole do not meet requirements for important games.

“Playing against Scotland and England causes considerable organisational and security concerns, so we have to be responsible and Vilnius is suited for these games.

“We hope the matches are football festivals and bring considerable benefits for tourism in Vilnius too. The city will benefit economically by a six-figure sum when the visiting fans arrive.”

England played at the same venue two years ago and the FA were so concerned about the hard surface, the Lithuanians drafted in the local Fire Brigade to water it, although it mattered little, with Roy Hodgson’s side winning 3-0.

Scotland last played in Vilnius in a goalless draw in 1998 in a European Championship qualifier.