McLeish urges Tartan Army to roar Scotland to victory over Israel
» ALEX McLeish has called on the Tartan Army to pack out Hampden Park for Scotland’s crucial Nations League game against Israel tomorrow night.
Despite having an injuryravaged squad, following nine dropouts, McLeish’s side hammered Albania 4-0 at in Shkoder to take them to within 90 minutes of a play-off spot.
Winger Ryan Fraser’s first goal in dark blue after 14 minutes gave the visitors the lead, before home skipper Mergim Mavraj was sent off six minutes later for a headbutt on Ryan Christie. Striker Steven Fletcher scored with a penalty just before the interval and winger James Forrest grabbed a double in the second-half, his first two goals for the national team.
Scotland now host Israel, with any type of win securing a play-off spot for the 2020 European Championship. Israel need only a draw to top the group and McLeish is looking for a big crowd to help the players, who enjoyed the backing of more than 2,000 travelling supporters in Albania.
“We always try to win, so we have set ourselves up as have Israel and it should be a good game,” said the Scotland boss.
“We are at home, so let’s hope there is a response from the Tartan Army. We’d like the supporters to come to cheer the guys to victory.
“If we play to that level again then we have a good chance.”
After losing 2-1 in Israel in the previous Group C1 game, McLeish acknowledged he was under some pressure going into the Albania match, but insists he is only at the start of the journey in his second spell as national team manager.
“Every manager will tell you, it is tough being in the dugout, but it’s in the DNA, it’s in the blood in terms of the pressure,” he said.
“I’m only just starting the job. That’s three competitive games we have had and this feels like a start.”