Peter Houston has defended the negative tactics employed by Scotland during their 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Czech Republic on Friday evening (Scotland 7/1 to qualify for Euro2012).
The Scotland assistant boss admitted that the squad was disappointed with the result but believed that the side was “unlucky to lose to a goal from a set play”. He also stressed that his players had “worked their socks off” in the hope of getting a result.
The Scotland manager Craig Levein was heavily criticised for the negative approach in Prague, where he adopted a 4-6-0 formation in the hope of picking up a point. The plan backfired when the Czechs scored the only goal of the game in the 70th minute but Houston stressed that he thought Scotland were unfortunate in defeat.
He highlighted the fact that the Scots rarely concede a goal from a set play but also stressed that the game is now “over and done with” and that he is looking forward to facing world champions Spain at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening (Scotland 13/2, draw 10/3, Spain 1/3).
Defending Levein’s tactics, he said: “The only regret we’ve got is that we’ve lost the game. It’s over and done with now, we can’t look back, we’ve got to look forward and what a way to look forward – playing Spain at Hampden.
“We’ve got to put that to bed and start to think positively and take something from that match.
“We are keen to play the world champions in what will be a difficult game. Footballers like to play at the top level and nobody is better than the world champions.”
Scotland have four major doubts ahead of the clash, with Tottenham defender Alan Hutton, Wigan centre-back Gary Caldwell, West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans and Rangers utility man Steven Whittaker all missing Sunday’s training session.
However, Houston has admitted “the majority, if not all” would be available for selection on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Scotland were handed a boost when Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher was fit to train after suffering a knock against the Czechs.
Caldwell participated in Prague for 75 minutes and Houston has not dismissed the possibility of him making back-to-back appearances. If he does, it will be a major achievement as Friday was his first action for club or country this season following a hip operation.
Speaking about Caldwell, Houston stressed: “He has been feeling good, he knows he’s been out for a while but nobody knows his body better than himself, and he was keen to do something today and he’s putting himself up for selection.”
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