Alex McLeish is facing his first test as Scotland manager

Alex McLeish admits Georgia are a threat to his Scotland side's chances of heading to Italy as group leaders in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

"I don't want our players going out apprehensive in any shape or form," he said ahead of Saturday's Group B game.

"But they must be aware of the threat of the opposition - and Georgia are a threat for us.

"They lost three goals against Ukraine, France and Italy, but have tightened up significantly since then."

The Scots are currently top of Group B but no longer unbeaten after losing to Ukraine in Walter Smith's final match as head coach in October.

Wins over Faroe Islands, Lithuania and, most notably, France, have allowed Scotland to enjoy the past five months at the summit of their group.

The Georgians, meanwhile, have just three points from four games.

But McLeish is convinced Georgia possess players capable of upsetting Scotland at Hampden Park.

That match comes four days before the clash with world champions Italy in Bari.

The former Rangers boss has spent seven weeks as Scotland boss and is eagerly awaiting the first senior international of his reign.

"It has been dead easy so far," said the Scotland boss. "The hard part is to come: winning football matches."