And Boksic, who is warming up for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin tomorrow night, says Hendry's loss is good news for his country.

Boksic said: "I have always been impressed by Colin Hendry. It's a pity for him he won't be playing for Scotland next month.

"It could help us. I've played against him a couple of times and he's always been strong but fair.

"Matt Elliott is also strong but technically good as well. I felt sorry for Hendry when he was suspended. I saw the San Marino match on TV and I think it was an accident."

The two nations drew 1-1 in Zagreb last autumn, a result that confirmed the Scots' position as group leaders.

Now Craig Brown's team have been overtaken by both Belgium and Croatia but the battle at the top of the table is still a tight one, with all three countries still unbeaten.

The Hampden Park showdown, which is followed closely by a trip to Belgium, will go a long way towards deciding who is to go to Japan and Korea in 2002.

Croatia still have San Marino to play before a final game at home to Belgium, while Scotland are in action at Hampden against Latvia.

Boksic revealed he had bowed out of earlier matches against San Marino or Latvia in order to concentrate on his club football.

He said: "I didn't play against Latvia or San Marino because I felt they were not strong teams and I expected Croatia to win without me.

"It was at the time that Boro were in relegation trouble and I wanted to concentrate on saving them.

"Now it is important that I come and face Scotland. We need to beat the Scots and then get at least a draw against Belgium.

"It's going to be difficult for us when we face them at Hampden. That is why we are playing the Republic of Ireland this week."