Khizanishvili thinks there was minimal contact with McFadden

McFadden was angry that the referee did not award a first-half penalty for the Blackburn defender's challenge during Georgia's 2-0 victory on Wednesday.

"James was shouting and I didn't want him booked or sent off before the Italian game," said Khizanishvili.

"I said, 'Just calm down'. I didn't want him to shout at the referee."

Defeat in Tbilisi leaves Scotland needing a victory over Italy next month to ensure qualification for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

McFadden insisted after the game that the decision, which came while Scotland were only 1-0 behind, had been wrong and that it was a "stonewall penalty".

We knew the young boys were talented, but it's unbelievable that we beat Scotland 2-0 Georgia coach Klaus Toppmoller

But Khizanishvili said: "He is my friend, he is a good lad and if it was somebody else then maybe I would have said something much stronger.

"To be honest, I haven't seen the incident on television, but the referee was just about five or six yards away and he didn't say anything.

"I am looking forward to James playing against Italy because he is Scotland's most important player and he was their best player against us.

"James plays in England and he knows that sometimes in England you will not get a penalty for that.

"There was a little contact, but the referee didn't say anything. Maybe television shows different, I don't know.

"There were many dangerous fouls in both boxes and he could have given penalties for both sides - but he is a good German referee!"

Asked if Scotland were good enough to overcome the World Cup holders in a one-off game, former Rangers defender Khizanishvili said: "I would say yes.

"Scotland beat France twice and I would say France are better than the Italians - they are stronger and have more quality players.

"I know the Scottish supporters will make it a great game at Hampden and I wish them all the best."

MY SPORT: DEBATE I posted here yesterday about my brother thinking that Uefa wouldn't allow us to qualify and, having watched the Faddy incident last night, I'm beginning to think I agree with him ....and surely that's great news for the rest of scottish football.

Khizanishvili was delighted that his side had recorded their third win of the qualifying campaign considering they had been hit by injuries and suspensions.

"We missed a few good players," he said. "We had five or six young players and they played well."

Levan Mchedlidze, a 17-year-old playing with Empoli in Italy, scored the opening goal.

Goalkeeper Giorgi Makaridze, the same age as the striker but who as yet to make his debut for his club, Dinamo Tblisi, was rarely troubled by the Scots.

Meanwhile, Schalke 04's Levan Kenia celebrated his 17th birthday a day early by starring in midfield.

And Georgia coach Klaus Toppmoller could hardly take in his young side's achievement.

"We knew the young boys were talented, but it's unbelievable that we beat Scotland 2-0," he said.

"They had to win and we had nothing to lose, but I would like to wish Scotland all the best against Italy."