‘Pitch gives us the edge’says Lithuania boss
LITHUANIA boss Edgaras Jankauskas reckons his side have an edge over Scotland ahead of Friday’s World Cup showdown – because of St Johnstone’s European failure.
The Scots face a crunch clash in Vilnius on an artificial pitch knowing three points is an absolute must if they are to keep their Russia 2018 hopes alive.
It will be played at the LFF Stadium – a tiny, 5000-capacity outpost in a public park in the Baltics.
That was the venue where St Johnstone crashed out of the Europa League to Lithuanian minnows FK Trakai and the Saints ended up losing home and away in the first qualifying round.
And former Hearts ace Jankauskas insists his men will take inspiration from that.
He said: “This season, Lithuanian football has had some good results, thanks to FK Trakai and Suduva.
“In the Europa League, Trakai defeated St Johnstone at the same place we will play Scotland and that was a major upset.
“I feel this may be to our psychological advantage.
“I don’t want to come out and say we will definitely get the three points against Scotland – football doesn’t work like that.
“Scotland have improved since we played them last at Hampden Park.
“They were excellent against Slovenia and England and came so close to getting six points against them.
“They were brave and aggressive and constantly pressed their opponents.
“I have no doubt that during the match against them we will need a lot of physical strength, endurance and courage.
“But I think we have also improved since that first meeting and I am confident we can win this match and cause another surprise.”