McLeish keeps fingers crossed for injury-free week
Scotland manager Alex McLeish will be interested in more than just the results when he watches Celtic and Rangers in Europe this week.
McLeish wants both Old Firm clubs to experience Champions League success, and the right results for Celtic over Benfica on Tuesday and Rangers over Barcelona on Wednesday would be welcomed.
But another triumph would be for the Scotland players involved in the games to come through unscathed, to ensure McLeish’s squad are in good shape for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy on November 17.
McLeish insists the Italy match itself is in the back of his mind for now.
“My mind hasn’t drifted that far yet,” McLeish told Setanta 1.
“I’m concentrating on what’s to come between now and then. Hopefully all the players will come through unscathed over the next two weeks.”
By midweek he will be well into the planning stage however, and on Thursday McLeish will name his squad to face the Azzurri in the match Scotland cannot afford to lose.
Victory would take Scotland to next summer’s finals, and a draw would leave them hoping for a Ukraine victory against France in Kiev on October 21.
McLeish has negotiated next weekend off for his Rangers and Celtic players, with the Scottish Premier League accepting the request to postpone the Old Firm’s two fixtures.
He must keep his fingers crossed for the players belonging to other clubs.
By brushing off speculation linking him with jobs elsewhere, McLeish insists he is focused on Scotland and has urged his players to seize the moment.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and a brilliant challenge,” he said.
“Some of the players may never get a chance again to qualify for a major championships and it’s a huge, huge game for us.
“But we have done terrifically well so far and whatever happens I think they’ve done the country proud.”
McLeish has been encouraged by Scotland striker Kris Boyd’s return to favour and to goalscoring form for Rangers.
Boyd hit his second goal in four days yesterday as Rangers beat Inverness 2-0 at Ibrox, pouncing on sloppy defending inside the first minute. He had also netted against Motherwell in the CIS Insurance Cup on Wednesday.
“If you leave Boyd round and about the box with the ball you’re going to get punished,” said McLeish.
“I’m pleased for him, that’s a couple of goals in the last two games and he’s looking really sharp and confident again.”
Walter Smith will decide whether Boyd starts a third successive game as Rangers travel out to Spain for their Nou Camp appointment.
Jean-Claude Darcheville is expected to play, and if Smith selects a second striker it could be Boyd will get the nod over Daniel Cousin.
McLeish said: “It’s a squad game and ’Boydy’ has to be patient. I think he’s not done himself any harm in the last couple of games. It’s great to see him with a smile on his face and confident.”
