Callum McGregor has urged Scotland to finish off their Nations League job and become the A Team. Steve Clarke’s in-form side face Ukraine in Poland on the brink of joining Europe’s elite.
Scotland need just a point from the showdown in Krakow to secure top spot in Group B1. Clarke’s team can secure a host of rewards if they complete their task. Avoidance of defeat will see the Scots guarantee a play-off spot for Euro 2024 qualification by winning the Nations League section.
At the same time, they could clinch a place in pot two for next month’s group-stage draw. Tantalisingly, a point or better would also hoist them into the top bracket of A-listed countries for the next Nations League campaign. McGregor said: “That’s where we want to be. That was the target and goal for us when the Nations League started and we were in Pot C.
“We wanted to get up the pots and play against better teams and that would, ultimately, develop the team and make players better. That’s where we want to be and we understand the repercussions of the group and this game on Tuesday night.
“We understand we have got ourselves in a brilliant position now to top the group. Now it’s just about going to try and finish that job. It’s a big game for us and we have to go and do everything we can to perform.”
Scotland have roared back from summer disappointments to charge into pole section position. Replying to their World Cup play-loss to Ukraine five days ago, they took back control of the group. Exacting revenge for their dismal Dublin disaster, Clarke’s team then tightened their grip.
Scotland, who will be without the suspended Scott McTominay for the clash after his weekend yellow card against the Republic of Ireland, have responded admirably to difficult situations in the past week on their way to six priceless points.
Now they can take the final step, but McGregor is aware that is going to take clear heads to come through. He explained: “There have been a lot of undertones from the week in June. Because of what happened in the summer we wanted to settle a few scores.
“There is an element of that as well, but we have to try and take the emotion out of the game and out of the situation as well. We will try and take the emotion away from it, do everything right and try and top the group.”
McGregor’s words confirm that, although he and the team are aware of the prizes they can scoop by close of play in Krakow, they have to keep such potential treasures out of their minds and focus fully on the task in hand if they are to be secured.
He said: “Exactly. Whatever happens will be a consequence of what happens on Tuesday night. We just have to recover well and prepare for the game, try to get a positive result and we can look forward to the consequences.”
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