Lack of recent action won’t affect Scotland, claims Berra

Christophe Berra is confident ring-rusty Scotland will not seize up against England.

By the time Gordon Strachan’s outfit take on the Auld Enemy in their crucial World Cup qualifier at Hampden on June 10, the new Hearts defender will have gone over a month without a game.

Berra’s last appearance for former club Ipswich was against Nottingham Forest on May 7 and there are another six members of the 29-man squad named this week in a similar position following the early climax to the Sky Bet Championship and its Scottish equivalent.

But Berra, who rejoined Hearts yesterday after eight and a half years away, reckons the extended break could actually count in his side’s favour when they take on Gareth Southgate’s weary Premier League stars.

He said: “I haven’t played since May 7 but I’ve had a good holiday and been to the gym a few times. I’m a naturally fit guy so that aspect shouldn’t be a problem - it’s just the sharpness you worry about.

“All their players play in the Premier League while the majority of ours play in the Championship, so we will have had a big break.

“It’s about keeping yourself ticking over in the meantime.

“We will have a good week’s preparation before the game and hopefully if the boys have been looking after themselves and doing little bits here and there it won’t take that long to get back up to speed.

“Maybe the little bit of freshness will do us good as well.”

Scotland need to upset the odds and claim a shock win against the Three Lions if they are to keep their slim Russia 2018 hopes alive.

But Berra believes the famous Hampden Roar could be the key ingredient for Strachan’s side.

“It’s a game we want to win, it’s a cup final really – anything can happen,” he said.

Christophe Berra was unveiled as a Hearts player yesterday.