Gordon Strachan upbeat over vital Ireland qualifier

By STEPHEN HALLIDAY
Published 5th Jun 2015, 01:22 BST
Gordon Strachan and Stuart McCall prepare for tonights match with Qatar Picture: SNSGordon Strachan and Stuart McCall prepare for tonights match with Qatar Picture: SNS
Gordon Strachan and Stuart McCall prepare for tonights match with Qatar Picture: SNS
SCOTLAND manager Gordon Strachan has expressed his growing confidence in the quality of his squad ahead of next week’s pivotal Euro 2016 qualifier against Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Aiden McGeady, who played under Strachan at Celtic, claimed this week that he and his Irish team-mates are “better players” than their Scottish counterparts but had failed to match their level of team performance when losing 1-0 at Celtic Park last November.

Ahead of the Group D return at the Aviva Stadium a week tomorrow, Strachan insisted he has no issue with McGeady’s assessment of the rival camps.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Everton winger is one of 12 members of Martin O’Neill’s Irish squad who played for English Premier League clubs in the season just ended.

Strachan, by contrast, can call on just eight players who were in England’s top flight – Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Andrew Robertson (Hull City), Charlie Adam (Stoke City), Darren Fletcher (West Bromwich Albion), James McArthur (Crystal Palace), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) and Steven Naismith (Everton).

But Strachan is more than satisfied with the resources at his disposal as he seeks to plot a path to next summer’s finals in France.

“If you look at the two sides, there are more from the Premier League in Aiden’s team,” said Strachan.

“I don’t have a problem with what he said. It’s good that you back your own players. But I am comfortable with the players we have got, that’s for sure. In fact, the more the week goes on, the more comfortable I get.”

Strachan takes charge of Scotland for the 20th time tonight when they face Qatar at Easter Road in a warm-up fixture before next week’s crucial trip across the Irish Sea.

He believes the depth of talent currently available to him has never been stronger since he took the job at the start of 2013.

Adam has had to wait more than a year for his recall to the the squad, illustrating Strachan’s belief of how intense the battle for places in his team has become. “After two and a half years this is the best I have had here – absolutely,” said Strachan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have my ideas on how Charlie could fit into the team but you have to remember that the players I’ve had have done incredibly well.

“You also have someone like James McArthur who has been playing really well in the Premier League but isn’t a regular starter for us. I do feel for him because his performances have been great.

“I saw him play against Liverpool near the end of the season against Steven Gerrard and Phillipe Coutinho and he was excellent.

“He comes in to the squad with a smile on his face all the time and he tries hard and is a good player. It just so happens that there are other good players around. You can be unfortunate at times.

“It is the same with our goalies. Our main three keepers – David Marshall, Allan McGregor and Craig Gordon – could have won 50 or 60 caps each already if they didn’t have those guys beside them. It is the same for central midfield.”

Strachan is thrilled to have Darren Fletcher operating at optimum fitness and form again after the squad captain enjoyed a fine second half of the season following his move from Manchester United to West Brom.

“That is a prospect that excites me,” said Strachan. “It’s about getting games and that’s what Darren is getting at West Brom.