CLARKE AIMING AT BIG GUNS IN QUEST FOR TOP-TWO SPOT

STEVE CLARKE will challenge his Scotland players to emerge from three heavyweight clashes in Group I with hopes of qualifying automatically for Euro 2020 still intact.

A searching early-season schedule sees Russia and Belgium visit Hampden in a September double-header before the Scots face an away test in Moscow on Thursday, October 10.

Clarke insists the number of points accrued against the big guns will determine whether or not Scotland stand a chance of competing in the final three fixtures for a top-two berth.

Scotland round off with a kinder run-in — hosting San Marino, a trip to Cyprus then a final night home game against Kazakhstan on Tuesday, November 19.

In order to make those games relevant, Clarke requires his men to pick up points from the major two nations in the section, starting with World Cup quarter-finalists Russia on Friday.

‘From the next three, Russia and Belgium at home, then Russia away, the number of points we get will determine if the last three group games will be about pushing to qualify,’ said the manager.

‘Hopefully, we’ll pick up enough from these three matches. Or we’ll be preparing for the Nations League play-offs.

‘Russia are a good team, they did very well at their home World Cup. But we must think and believe that we can cause them a lot of problems, especially at Hampden.

‘I wouldn’t say it helps us that we’re not expected to win these two games. Because we’ll put ourselves under pressure to get points from the next three.

‘You never know what could happen. Russia could trip up somewhere else. Let’s just try to get as many points as we can.

‘Get to the other side of these games with enough points to still be in contention. Then we’ll attack the last three with relish and see if we can get out of the group. That has to be our aim.’