The Scottish management team anticipate a hard match

Scotland coach Andy Watson thinks a draw in Georgia would be a fine result, despite it increasing the likelihood of a must-win final game with Italy.

The Scots can qualify for the Euro 2008 finals if they win in Tbilisi and France fail to beat Lithuania at home.

But Watson said: "We would take anything in Tbilisi, they are a good team in front of their own supporters.

"It's going to be very difficult and we need to make sure the guys are very much up for it."

News conference: Scotland coach Andy Watson

News conference: Scotland's Stephen McManus

A draw or defeat for Scotland, coupled with a France win on Wednesday, would leave Scotland needing to beat Italy at Hampden in November to make sure of progress.

Italy are almost certain to beat the Faroe Islands in their final game four days later, the same night France play Ukraine in Kiev.

In-form Scotland are aiming to make it seven wins in a row but Georgia came within a minute of gaining a point at Hampden in March before substitute Craig Beattie snatched a last-gasp winner.

The home side have lost top scorer Shota Arveladze to retirement and captain Kakha Kaladze and vice-captain Levan Kobiashvili to injury.

But Watson feels the Georgians, who have lost seven of their 10 group matches, will be tough opponents.

"They are starting to bring in one or two of their younger players, which gives you the problem that possibly we don't know them quite so well," he added.

"But there is no doubt on their own turf - and they will have almost 60,000 supporters backing them - that they will hope they can do well."

With Italy and France hot on the heels of Scotland, defender Stephen McManus insists the players are fully aware the job is not complete.

"It's been a while since we have been in this position, so you need to enjoy it as well," said the Celtic captain.

"It's all right being realistic and keeping your feet on the ground.

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"But it's important that you give the country something to be proud of - and so far I think we have done that.

"We would like to go that extra wee bit and qualify. We know it's going to be really tough - but we are really looking forward to the challenge.

"We've still got two games to play but we have a chance to qualify, just the same as the other two countries."

Scotland are missing Scott Brown, Alan Hutton, Lee McCulloch, Paul Hartley, Garry O'Connor and Gary Caldwell through injury and suspension.

McManus acknowledged that they will be sorely missed but welcomed the call-ups for Darren Fletcher and Graeme Murty.

"It will be a blow. But the two players that have come in are very good players, so there won't be a problem in that department," McManus added.

"At international level, no matter who comes in, it's somebody who is going to do a good job - but it's great having 'Fletch' back in the place."