Gordon Strachan has revealed how his Scotland players have been dishing out rough treatment to each other ahead of facing England on Tuesday night.
England goalkeeper Ben Foster warned his team-mates to expect a bruising encounter in Glasgow and Strachan’s men did not hold back during their final training sessions before the game.
“We had Sunday off, we put the lads through an intensive warm-up today and thought they might take it a bit easier when we put on a match situation,” said Scotland manager Strachan.
“But it was like the first day of pre-season. We’ve got so many players who want to play tomorrow night. There were a few bumps, but it was the old-school ‘just rub it down and get on with it’.”
Foster claimed Scotland and Republic of Ireland were “kicking lumps out of each other” in their Euro 2016 qualifier, but Strachan responded by saying: “It was physical, but fair. I’ve seen people saying it was some kind of bloodbath, but it was nothing like that. It was toe-to-toe, played in the right manner and there were bumps and bruises.
“As long as they are fair challenges, you have to deal with that. The Ireland game was played in a terrific spirit and I hope and know it will be the same tomorrow.”
Hull City defender Andrew Robertson rejected Foster’s view of Scotland by adding: “That's his opinion. We were the ones trying to play football. Just look at the goal, it's sheer passing, straight from the training ground, and Shaun Maloney’s finish was unbelievable."
England will face a hot reception at Celtic Park, but Strachan insists Roy Hodgson’s men will relish it as much as Scotland.
“Most of the England players will be looking forward to this game,” said Strachan. “They know it will be a competitive atmosphere and great players will enjoy that.”
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher missed Scotland’s final training session and Strachan has a doubt over the fitness over goalkeeper David Marshall.
Strachan also sent his sympathy to the family of Scotland fan Nathan McSeveney, who died after falling down a stairwell at Celtic Park following Scotland’s victory over Republic of Ireland.
Strachan said: “We’d like to send our condolences to Nathan’s family. It took my breath away. We got the news on the bus. We will do as much as we can to help them through this difficult period.”
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