McLeish wants rugby-style revival

SCOTLAND manager Alex McLeish has urged his side to be like their country’s rugby players and perform the ‘greatest ever’ comeback. His battered and bruised squad flew to San Marino yesterday with the anger of the Tartan Army ringing in their ears after the lamentable 3-0 defeat in Kazakhstan. A defiant McLeish dismissed talk of resigning, saying: ‘This is in my genes. Listen, of course it’s hard. But I never feel I’m on a hiding to nothing or anything like that. ‘I still feel it’s a fantastic challenge. If we can do it now and qualify from this setback it will be the greatest ever. ‘Right now everybody is telling me it’s the worst ever, but that’s what I have to believe, that we can turn it around.’ McLeish will give his skipper, Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, every chance to recover after a dental operation. Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser and Cardiff defender Callum Paterson are back in the matchday squad. McLeish also apologised to the 600 fans who travelled to Kazakhstan. ‘I’ve been a punter before as well. I’ve had a lot of anger but time’s a healer. I’d like the players to be remembered for having the spirit that never gives up, like the rugby guys.’ SAN MARINO v SCOTLAND:

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