Big names missing but Red Devils boss says Hampden clash will be ideal preparation

Belgium will be without Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke, Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet and Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who have all withdrawn due to injury concerns, for tonight’s friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park.

However, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez will field a strong side as he looks to carry on the momentum from the World Cup.

The Red Devils take on Iceland in their first Nations League A, Group 2 match in Reykjavik on Tuesday.

Martinez added of their opponents: “In the [World Cup] qualifying games they beat Croatia, Turkey and Ukraine.”

On the Hampden clash, he added: “It is in preparation for Iceland. Don’t expect too many changes. This is going to be a strong team to try to build up to what we are going to do in Iceland.

“I don’t see this game unrelated to the qualifying game. It is the first time since we came back from the World Cup so it is not the moment to make 11 changes and try to pick a new team to play against Iceland.

“That is not going to be the case. I am counting on everyone to be as strong as we can in both games. The only way you can improve is when you try to win every game that you go into and then knowing how you are trying to win.

“The performance brings you that opportunity to control the game and beat the opposition but is it important to win tomorrow? Yes.

“It is important for us after what we did in the World Cup that every game we go into, there is a real need to try to win the game. I don’t see it any other way.”