‘SORRY ARCHIE, BUT SETTLING FOR SECOND BEST IS JUST NOT FOR US’

ARCHIE GEMMILL’S belief that Scotland should focus on securing second place in World Cup qualifying Group C is not one shared by the players, according to James McArthur.

Gemmill claimed the top seeds could be stronger for the appointment of Gareth Southgate in place of Sam Allardyce and that the section should be viewed ‘minus England’.

He suggested Scotland would be best concentrating on clinching wins over Lithuania, Slovenia, Malta and Tuesday’s opponents Slovakia to land a play-off berth. When asked about Gemmill’s view, McArthur said:

‘That’s not my approach. My approach is trying to win every football match.

‘If we go into games thinking: “This one doesn’t matter”, then that’s not a footballer. It’s not me, I want to win every game.

‘It doesn’t matter who we’re playing against, even if it’s the best team in the world or the worst team in the world. That’s what makes us better and stronger.

‘But I’m not really thinking about England. I’m thinking about our next game here. When England comes, around I’ll think about them then and

trying to win that.’