Jackie McNamara knows it will be a hard game against Sweden

"It's at the back of everyone's minds," said the midfielder-cum-defender.

"There is a big week ahead and it's maybe a game that's not ideal at the moment, but it's important that we concentrate on the game in hand.

"We're here training and playing and we have to get on with it and try to take positives from the game."

McNamara is aware that the national team needs to get back to winning ways after a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign and the departure of manager Berti Vogts.

But defeat for Celtic at Ibrox, where the Scottish champions and league leaders were knocked out of the CIS Cup, would give Rangers renewed hope of taking the title.

It's probably a good thing for Scotland that Henrik's not appearing Scotland midfielder Jackie McNamara

A win over Barcelona in Spain next week is also a necessity if Celtic are to retain hopes of qualifying from their Champions League group.

Meanwhile, McNamara's reunion with Henrik Larsson will have to wait until the Nou Camp as the former Celtic striker is being rested by Sweden.

"I'm sure we'll face up to him next week with Celtic," said McNamara.

"It's probably a good thing for Scotland that he's not appearing just now.

"It will be a hard game for us. We don't know how strong their team is going to be - I think there are a few players left behind - but I'm sure whoever they bring along will be a good side."

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher did not think there would be too much change in approach under Tommy Burns considering the caretaker manager was Vogts' assistant.

"It's a friendly match and there's not so much pressure on us, so hopefully we can put in a good performance and try to get back on track for the qualifiers," he said.

"I know the result would be good and give the whole nation a lift after the disappointment of the last couple of results.

"We go out to win every game. It's not as though we don't go out to try to win games, and we will go out to beat Sweden on Wednesday night."