We think Scotland can still reach finals, says Bilek

MICHAL Bilek’s Kazakhstan side inflicted heavy damage on Scotland’s Euro 2020 qualification chances earlier this year, but he believes they can still reach the finals.

The Scots began their Group I campaign with a shock 3-0 defeat in Nur-Sultan in March, with

Alex McLeish being replaced by Steve Clarke as boss soon after the expected win in San Marino days later.

Scotland moved into third place, behind Belgium and Russia, with a 2-1 win over Cyprus in Nicosia on Saturday night. They now sit two points ahead of Kazakhstan ahead of their final qualifying fixture at Hampden Park tonight night.

While Clarke’s side cannot qualify for the finals by conventional methods, they have a chance in the Nations League play-offs in March. And it is an opportunity Bilek reckons they can grasp.

Speaking at Hampden Park, the former Czech Republic coach said: “In my eyes, Scotland is a very good team with very good players and good heart.

“Of course we believe Scotland have a chance to play further and qualify to Euro 2020.

“In the first match we played really well and were ahead from the 10th minute. We probably played our best match so far against Scotland.

“However, (tonight) is a new match, it is new history to write. We know who is the favourites but we will try to play a good game.

“We want to be successful and get our points.”

Yuriy Pertsukh scored the opener in the 3-0 win in March but expects a different game this time.

The Astana midfielder said: “We are playing a different team and it will be a difficult game for us.

“We are playing away, in front of Scottish supporters, so it is going to be tough for us, although we hope we have some supporters here.

“But we will be trying our best to get third.”