Group 5/Scotland v Slovenia: Berti Vogts's Scotland face arguably their most critical test to date this evening, with the result of the opening World Cup qualifier against Slovenia likely to determine whether the German's reign will either flourish or flounder in the weeks ahead.
The former Germany coach last night offered a defiant defence of his own long-term strategy, though he acknowledged that the Scots can ill- afford to slip up tonight.
"I'm here to build up a new football generation for Scotland and in two or three years we'll have a very strong national team," said Vogts, who is still hopeful that Steven Pressley will recover from back spasms to feature against the Slovenians.
"The boys are 19 or 20, just kids in terms of international football, so it's not easy. There will be inconsistency with such a young team, but we'll work hard together. The target is reaching the World Cup, but we also have to build up the quality of Scottish football from as low as under-14 level."
Slovenia are ranked 46th in the world and currently top the group after a 3-0 thrashing of Moldova in their opening fixture, though they can expect the same snarling approach which served the Scots so well in Friday's 1-1 draw with Spain. Paul Dickov should replace Steven Crawford up front, with Craig Gordon expected to earn his first competitive cap in goal.
PROBABLE TEAMS
SCOTLAND: Gordon; Caldwell, Webster, Mackay, Naysmith; McNamara, Ferguson, Quashie, Fletcher; McFadden, Dickov.
SLOVENIA: Mavric; Karic, Mavric, Knavs, Siljak; Ceh, Komac, Pokorn, Seslar; Acimovic, Dedic.
Referee: C Bo Larsen (Denmark)
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