Midfielder vows to use Alashkert experience
CALLUM McGREGOR insists Scotland won’t underestimate the challenge in Armenia as he called on his Yerevan experiences ahead of the Nations League clash.
The Celtic captain played and scored in the Champions League win over Alashkert four years ago and has now returned to the capital with another victory in his sights.
Steve Clarke’s side need to get their Group B1 campaign back on track following the dispiriting defeat in Dublin that saw the Republic of Ireland run out 3-0 winners on Saturday.
Goals from Tony Ralston and Scott McKenna earned Scotland a comfortable win over Armenia at Hampden but McGregor is well aware of the tricky conditions that will lie in wait at the end of a long journey.
McGregor said: “That’s right. You never underestimate any opponent at this level. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and they had a great result against Ireland recently.
“That tells you they are capable of putting in a good performance and getting a result.
“We have done our homework. We looked at the last game on Sunday night, things that we did well and little bits we can tidy up too. We have to be ready for the game.
“We are disappointed from the weekend but the best way to show your disappointment is to go into Tuesday night and play together, play strong and get a positive result. That’s what we need to do.
“It will be a hot climate, a sticky pitch. They will come after us from the start and their crowd will get involved in the game.
“It’s important we manage that first spell in the game and that we stand up to the physical side of the game as well.
“We have to impose ourselves on the first 20-25 minutes of the game and not let them settle. We need to start positively and impose ourselves on the fixture.”