Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has insisted that Scotland’s clash with Russia is a ‘must win’ in their Euro qualifying campaign.
McTominay has been called up to the side following a decent start to the season with the Red Devils. He is in line for starts against Belgium and Russia.
He believes that Steve Clarke’s side can’t afford to lose the match against Russia at Hampden on Friday night.
The midfielder told the BBC: “It’s vitally important for us to keep building on the progress under the new gaffer. The Russia game a must win and a must not lose.
“From the start, everyone knows their roles and responsibilities on the pitch. Now it’s down to us to get the results and hopefully progress to the Euros.
McTominay knows pressure from Manchester United, he’ll be under it with Scotland
Scotland currently sit fourth in their Euro 2020 qualifying group. They need a win against Russia to go level on points with the 2018 World Cup hosts.
Playing at Old Trafford every other week, McTominay knows what it’s like to play under pressure. He’ll be under a fair bit of that against the Russians.
If Clarke’s side fail to win at Hampden, it’ll all but end their qualification hopes via the groups. The following match for Scotland is on Monday night against Belgium, whilst Russia will take on Kazakhstan at home.
You would like to think the Belgians will dispatch Scotland for the third time in a year, whilst Russia should prevail over their opponents. This could leave Scotland nine points off second.
Friday will be a big match for Scotland and McTominay will have a part to play. He’ll be expected to win tackles in the middle and get his foot on the ball, perhaps even playing a role in linking attack to midfield.
It’ll be a crucial night for Scotland’s Euro hopes at Hampden. McTominay will hope to make a difference to proceedings against a Russia side who have won their last three fixtures.