Cesar looks to cash in from crosses

CAPTAIN Bostjan Cesar last night confirmed that Slovenia will try to exploit Scotland’s weakness under cross balls in tonight’s World Cup qualifier.

Cesar, who has represented his country a record 95 times, revealed that coach Srecko Katanec had treated his players to extensive analysis of Scotland’s campaign to date.

Of particular interest were the matches against Slovakia and England. On both occasions, Gordon Strachan’s defence conceded three times and routinely from balls into the box.

‘We have analysed Scotland and analysed ourselves, and we know we will need to be on a high level to get what we want from this game,’ said Cesar, currently employed by Italian outfit Chievo. ‘Scotland have conceded a lot of goals but they still have a high level of game. They actually played well against Slovakia and England before conceding the first goal and we all know how difficult football becomes when you are a goal down.

‘They are aggressive all over the pitch and have good players but maybe their deficit is at set-pieces because they leave a bit too much room for their opponents to score.’

Cesar, 34, was part of the squad on the Slovenians’ last visit to Hampden in 2004, when he watched from the bench as his compatriots played out a goalless stalemate with a team managed by Berti Vogts.

A crowd of just under 40,000 watched that match but Scotland’s current ailing campaign means around 10,000 less are expected on Glasgow’s south side.

Cesar added: ‘When I was here in 2004 the atmosphere was amazing. If the stadium is not full, then this could be a plus.’