Former Ger Boni eyes an Israeli double over Scots
Boni Ginzburg reckons Israel can capitalise on Scotland’s call-offs to do the double over Alex McLeish’s side.
Scotland manager McLeish’s injury-ravaged squad take on Israel in their final Nations League group game, at Hampden on Tuesday.
Israel are in the box seat to top the Nations League group following their 2-1 win over Scotland in Haifa last month and a draw would seal that top-spot.
McLeish has seen a host of key men, including Charlie Mulgrew, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn, withdraw from the squad through injury.
Former Rangers keeper and Israeli international Ginzburg believes his countrymen can take full advantage of Scotland’s injury woes to secure their passage into the play-offs.
Ginzburg said: “Israel right now have a big chance in the game against Scotland because of the players Scotland have that are injured and are not coming to the team.
“So Israel have a chance. Normally the away record of Israel is poor. But after two wins in the Nations League the confidence is much higher and they have a good chance in Glasgow, because of the situation with the Scottish squad and the shape the Israel team is in.
“We have a lot of confidence right now because they have won two games on the bounce in the Nations League.
“That is something that doesn’t happen often.”
Ginzburg reckons Scotland were lucky to only suffer a 2-1 defeat last month.
He said: “The last game against Scotland, Israel were in attacking form and the 2-1 result flattered Scotland, as we were the much better team.
“Three days later we played against Albania and it was a different type of game. We had to be more defensive and play on the counter-attack but we still won the game.
“We showed we can deal with a different type of game and have players who are in good form right now.”
Ginzburg knows Israel have players who can hurt Scotland.
He said: “The three players that play in the midfield for Israel, Bibras Natcho, former Celtic star Beram Kayal and Dor Peretz, are very good.
“They have shown they can handle pace and are powerful.
“Kayal is a top player and he is a key figure for Israel, he always gives 100%.
“Moanes Dadour is a very good striker and is in fine form. His game has improved dramatically in the last two years and he can do the business.”