Belgium will be even better without Hazard, warns former Ranger

THOMAS BUFFEL believes Scotland are in for a night of hell against the Red Devils tonight – even although major world stars are missing.

The Belgians are without the incomparable talent of Eden Hazard, the drive of Alex Witsel and the leadership of Vincent Kompany who has retired. Meanwhile, top strikers Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke have been rested of late.

But that spells bad news for the Scots according to former Rangers attacker Buffel, who says the replacements will be even more difficult to play against because they are desperate to be regulars in Roberto Martinez’s team. The Belgians are the No.1 ranked team in the world so getting into the first XI and staying there is a huge incentive.

Buffel said: “The team has been playing together for a number of years now but it’s still a young side and there is so much talent.

“There are big players missing – but then other big players come in. The squad is so strong right now and that’s going to be the problem for Scotland.

“Eden and Thorgan Hazard are not there and, of course, Vincent Kompany has retired. Witsel is not there either. Guys like Lukaku and Benteke are on the bench. But look who comes in Michy Batshuayi, Adnan Januzaj and Divock Origi.

“Then you also have Jason Denayer who wants to show that he can be a regular in the back four. These are guys who can change a game with one action and already compliment someone like Kevin de Bruyne, who is at the top of his game with Manchester City this season.

“I played with Kevin when he was young player at Genk and he is now one of the best players in the world. They are hungry guys and that’s the big worry for Scotland. They know they have to take their chance when Roberto Martinez gives it to them so they will be extra motivated. So I think that spells extra danger for Scotland and I can’t see them getting anything from this game. These players will be trying even harder than normal.”

Buffel does not believe the Scots have a hope tonight as the Belgians cruise to qualification to the Euro 2020 finals which will be played at venues across Europe – including Hampden.

The playmaker who spent two and a half years at Ibrox and was pivotal to the Helicopter Sunday title success in 2005 said: “Of course they are at home and the crowd will be behind them.

“The players will; also be desperate to try to get something because otherwise it looks like qualification would become impossible. Belgium’s game on Friday against San Marino was like a training game and I can’t see Belgium doing anything else but win at Hampden.”

Buffel has just retired at the age of 38 having spent 10 years with Genk and a season at Zulte Waragem.

He recently held a testimonial that featured Alex McLeish, Alex Rae and Pierre van Hooijdonk/.

Now he has become part of the brilliant Belgian model and tasked with bringing through the next back of superstars. He’s been made head coach of the under-19s and says it’s a brilliant time to be part of the national set-up.

He added: “There is real hope in Belgium they will go on to win Euro 2020. They were close in the World Cup last year by getting to the semi-finals so we want to go all the way this time.

“This team certainly has the quality to make that happen. It’s great to become under-19s coach and hopefully I can play my part in the future.”