Scotland will have to dig-in says Davidson

Oct 11 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

SAINTS’ veteran Callum Davidson has played in some big games for Scotland.

But the 19-times capped left-back doesn’t envy Craig Levein’s 11 who will line-up in tonight’s vital Euro 2012 showdown with world champions Spain.

However, the 35-year-old, who turned out for his country in the famous 1-0 Euro 2000 victory over England in November 1999, believes if the tactics are right that Scotland could steal a late goal to send them into their first competition since World Cup 1998.

Davidson, who returned from injury in St Johnstone’s 2-1 away win against Kilmarnock, told PA Sport yesterday: “I never faced Spain, thank goodness.

“Scotland always seem to do alright against the bigger teams. I think it is our spirit which always gets us through.

“I think you’ve got to believe you can do it, and I don’t see why we can’t.

“Spain haven’t lost a game in the qualification phase so far, and obviously they’re world champions as well, so it’s going to be a hard task.

“It will be very difficult but you’ve got to go in and give everything you’ve got and hopefully the result goes our way.”

He continued: “I think Craig will set them out to make it difficult for Spain and hopefully we can nick a goal.

“I think it’s about giving us a chance by staying in the game for as along as possible and not getting frustrated if they keep the ball for periods of time, because that will happen.”

Turning his attentions to this weekend’s match with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Davidson, who returned to McDiarmid Park for his second spell in May, insisted speculation over manager Derek McInnes’s future would not affect the players.

He went on: “The lads have said that they have normally struggled at the start of the season, but this has been a really good start.

“We’ve had some good away performances and our home form is something we will look to try and improve.

“The more points we can get on the board, the better, because you end up enjoying your season a lot more.

“It’s good because it gives everyone a lift. Unfortunately, it means the manager’s reputation improves and obviously there is talk about him going down south at the moment.

“But that doesn’t change anything. Until he leaves, if he leaves, things like that don’t affect you.

“You’re paid to be a football player so that’s all you need to do.”

McInnes, who has been linked with vacant positions at Championship clubs and Bristol City and Nottingham Forest, yesterday refused to discuss the ongoing speculation.

The Saints’ boss, did, however, take the time to discuss the visit of Terry Butcher’s side on Saturday.

He told PA Sport: “We had a bounce game against Dunfermline on Friday and managed to get 90 minutes into Callum Davidson, Jamie Adams, Carl Finnigan, Willie Gibson and Marcus Haber.

“We won the game 1-0 and Carl got the goal, so it went well.

“We are expecting a tough match with Inverness.

“It will be competitive, they are a good side with good players and I think Terry is a bit like ourselves, he is trying to introduce quite a few new players this season.

“We are looking forward to it and we want to make our home advantage count.”

Addressing reports that suggest on-fire forward Cillian Sheridan has shaved off his lucky moustache, McInnes added: “I’m sure he will have grown it back for Saturday.

“Hopefully his run continues, moustache or no moustache.”

McInnes also dismissed areport that French midfielder Jimmy Juan will be training with Saints this week and playing in the bounce match as a trialist.

Juan is a free agent after his club Grenoble went bust.

Saints will be without strikers Sean Higgins and Sam Parkin for Caley’s visit, whilst David Robertson is doubtful with a hamstring strain.

Murray Davidson and Frazer Wright have returned to training and will face a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.

Scotland’s Group I encounter with Spain kicks-off this evening at 7.45pm.