I’m Champing at the bit for a battle with Israeli ace Zahavi
Scott McKenna can’t wait to test himself against Israel star Eran Zahavi tonight.
And after going up against some of the Championship’s top strikers this season he insists he’s ready for the challenge.
PSV ace Zahavi has been a constant threat to Scotland in our recent clashes with Israel.
The 33-year-old has scored twice against the Scots, including a wonder goal at Hampden back in September’s 1-1 draw.
So far this season, Zahavi has bagged 15 in 25 Eredivisie and Europa League games for his club.
McKenna will need to be at the top of his game when they face off in the World Cup qualifier.
But the Nottingham Forest centre-back is relishing the battle.
McKenna said: “Zahavi is very good, intelligent in the way he gets into wee pockets of space.
“He’s difficult to mark and whenever he gets the chance to shoot, nine times out of 10 he’ll hit the target if he doesn’t score.
“Players like him test you more because you need to think more as a defender. In the last three games I played for Forest, I came up against Lucas Joao at Reading, Teemu Pukki at Norwich and Ivan Toney at Brentford.
“They’re all very tough strikers to play against but every weekend down there you come up against something different.”
It must be hard for Steve Clarke’s players to keep their minds off the Euros this summer.
But McKenna insists their full focus is now on Israel.
He said: “The Euros are at the back of everyone’s mind but these games are the priority. If you do well it will keep you in the gaffer’s thoughts for the summer.”