Albania can defeat odds and deliver Scots blow

RANGERS winger Eros Grezda has warned that Albania have not given up hope of salvaging their Nations League ambitions with a crushing victory over Scotland tomorrow. Christian Panucci’s side need to win by three goals in Shkoder if they are to cancel out their 2-0 defeat at Hampden in September and finish above Alex McLeish’s men on head-tohead results. Former Italy star Panucci has played down the chance of attaining a shock scoreline after Albania failed to find the net in their last three games. However, Grezda — who scored his first two Rangers goals in the 7-1 rout against Motherwell last weekend — is refusing to throw in the towel in the fight for a Euro 2020 play-off. ‘It will be good to play against Scotland,’ he said. ‘It is a big and important game for us, because we need a win. ‘If we don’t win, we could end up being relegated to the Nations League D division. ‘People may say we are already out, but it’s not impossible. We need to win 3-0 to still be able to go through. ‘There are only three teams in our group, so that makes things a little bit complicated. ‘But even if we don’t qualify, we don’t want to get relegated, so we need to beat Scotland. ‘Finishing second wasn’t our aim but it would still be important. ‘In terms of first place, anything is possible still — and we will be going for the win.’ Grezda (below) was absent from the Albania squad when McLeish’s men eased to their comfortable success in Glasgow. Now fit and in form, he is warning Scotland they will face a far tougher and different challenge this weekend away from home. ‘We are a different team in Albania compared to away from home,’ said the £2million signing from Osijek. ‘It’s like Rangers. Nobody can beat us at Ibrox. I am optimistic for the game against Scotland. ‘In the first game, we had a lot of players missing — including me. But we will be a different team this time.’ Grezda admits Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor could provide a significant barrier to his hope of scoring against Scotland — despite an attempt at mind games. ‘I will try to do my best against Scotland — and Allan McGregor,’ he smiled. ‘I have spoken to Allan about the game. I tried to bring his motivation down. ‘I told him where we are playing is a bad city, with bad food and all the rest! ‘But I was just joking, obviously. It will be a good game against Scotland. ‘The stadium in Shkoder is one of the best in Albania. It’s really good. ‘It is two hours away from Tirana, but I don’t want to say anything about Scotland’s decision to stay there.’ Albanian FA President Armand Duka, meanwhile, has suggested Panucci’s future will be in doubt should they not beat Scotland. ‘We must beat Scotland,’ he said. ‘If not, the campaign will be a failure. ‘We cannot say anything about the coach’s position before this game. ‘We need to see what the result is against Scotland — and then we will analyse the situation. ‘We have had a lot of players missing and that has been a small problem. ‘But Scotland is important and we need the support of the fans to make sure we get the win.’ Panucci, for his part, seemed to accept that he will be held accountable. ‘If we lose to Scotland it will be very difficult for us all — for the team, for me, for the fans and Albanian football in general,’ said the Italian. ‘The results are my responsibility.’