Not-so-secret agent Marciano laughs off his role as Israel spy

OFIR MARCIANO, international man of mystery. Spy in the opposition camp. Intrepid agent operating behind enemy lines.

The Hibs star laughs as he considers his likely role — on top of keeping goal — ahead of Friday’s Hampden clash between Scotland and his native Israel. In an age where coaches can pull up footage of any team or player at the press of a button, the concept of individual players adding to alreadybulging dossiers seems outdated. Yet Marciano insists there is still a place for a little insider information. ‘I hope they will count on my intelligence,’ he said with a grin.

‘Today in world football you know everything. You can see games online. But it’s good to have someone that plays in this league and everything I can give to help our staff prepare for the game, I will give.

‘We played Scotland twice last year so we know their quality. We will face a tough, physical opponent. ‘There is probably a different style of playing between the teams but basically you win matches with your heart, how you play and how you use the momentum in the game to win.’

Scotland and Israel claimed a home win apiece in their head-to-heads during the inaugural Nations League campaign. Back in the same group again and with the altogether more urgent matter of their Euro 2020 play-off semi looming next month, these are two teams who might grow weary of seeing each other. Marciano joked: ‘No, it’s good for me — it saves me from travelling! Especially these days as it’s quite hard.

‘The situation makes it more difficult with the travelling restrictions. But when you meet up with the team, you must be professional and forget the rest of it.’ As for how much Friday’s result and performances will matter ahead of the play-off, Marciano insisted: ‘For me, every international game is important. ‘I don’t care if it’s Nations League, play-off or whatever, it’s about representing my country and being as good as I can be.’