SCOTLAND legend Denis Law believes Gordon Strachan’s team are on the verge of a European Championships 2016 breakthrough.
The international side take on Georgia in Tblisi this evening and then world champions Germany at Hampden on Monday.
Strachan’s men have 11 points from six games. To guarantee automatic qualification they need to reach 21 points in their remaining four ties – but 18 points may well be enough, depending on results elsewhere.
Law said: “When the draw was made 18 months ago I wasn’t too unhappy with it. I thought we had a chance.
“My sense of optimism was down to us having Gordon Strachan in charge. He is a talented manager and he has made significant progress in two years.
“Of course, the real marker is whether we qualify for the European Championship next summer. I think we are in a decent position just now and things will be a lot clearer after the next two games.
“If we can take four points from this double-header then we are well on the way. Georgia will not be easy opponents and even although they are out of the running, there is always national pride at stake. So, I would never underestimate them – it would be foolish to do so.
“The Germany game will take care of itself. Hampden Park will be full to capacity and the atmosphere generated by the Scotland supporters will be incredible. Germany will be favourites, but I just have a good feeling about this game. I think a memorable victory can be achieved. We have to have a positive frame of mind.
“I accept the Germany team is full of world-class players. Manuel Neuer is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Bastian Schweinsteiger is one of the finest midfielders around.
“I think their most dangerous player is Thomas Muller. He can hurt teams. He scores important goals. He is the type you might see on the park not doing very much and he will then burst into life. He must be watched closely, not given a second.
“But we also have good players and Gordon has the team playing very well. There appears to be a real togetherness. We attack well and use the wingers to good effect. We also defend in an organised manner and with great determination. It’s going to be some game.”
Scotland finish the campaign in October with a game at home to Poland and away to Gibraltar. Beating the Poles at Hampden would be a massive step and the final tie should be as close to a formality as you’ll get in international football.
Law – Scotland’s joint top scorer with Kenny Dalglish on 30 goals – said: “You can’t take anything for granted, but I think there is enough experience in the squad to know that they can’t take their eye off the ball for a second.
“Winning the game in Georgia will be the aim, a draw wouldn’t be too bad. But three points over there will set everyone up nicely for the Germany game.
“Shaun Maloney scored the winner against Georgia and he is a talented player. Ikechi Anya scored against Germany the last time and he has been a great addition to Gordon’s set-up. You then have the solid performers in Darren Fletcher, James Morrison and Scott Brown.
“I just wish Gordon and the players the best of luck for the next four games. I am right behind them.
“Our country and the supporters are long overdue the chance to be at a major Finals.”
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