Serbia boss lauds talent in squad

SERBI A b o s s L ju b i s a Tumbakovic has warned Scotland that Aleksandar Mitrovic is not the only danger man he has ready to shoot down the Tartan Army’s Euro 2020 hopes.

The Fulham striker needs just two goals to equal his country’s international scoring record having hit 36 in 59 appearances so far.

But Tumbakovic says Steve Clarke will be making a mistake if he thinks the 26- yearold is the only threat when they meet in tomorrow night’s playoff final at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.

“We have no secret aces up our sleeves,” said the Eagles boss. “Each of the players can do equally as good as Mitrovic can.

“In the past few months, Mitrovic has been the guy scoring the goals but that doesn’t mean that another player can’t do the same.

“It’s probably the case that our opponents aren’t quite familiar with our players so they will probably try to close down all of them.”

Scotland are aiming to break a 22- year wait to reach a major finals but Tumbakovic is excited about leading his national team to his first tournament since being appointed last year.

And he has promised to bring Clarke’s men to heel this evening in Belgrade.

“Yes it’s the biggest match of my coaching career,” said the 68- year- old former Partizan Belgrade boss.

“For someone of my age I’d say that is one of the most important matches I’ve been involved in.

“We have also played a number of matches that have been equally decisive but this has special importance and significance.

“We have been looking at the Scots for a long time and we will do everything possible to bring them under control.

“That’s part of our strategy and if we’re successful in this we will without doubt achieve the result we want.”