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Last Updated: Thursday, 18 October 2007, 12:40 GMT 13:40 UK
Strachan backs Scots to qualify
Gordon Strachan
Strachan won 50 Scotland caps during his playing career
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insists that Scotland have what it takes to beat Italy in their decisive game in Group B to qualify for Euro 2008.

"Yes, we can beat Italy, I have no doubts about that whatsoever," he told BBC Sport.

"We've all enjoyed what the team has achieved so far,. It's now down to the last game, so they've got to go for it.

"Whatever happens, this is the best in terms of excitement and performance of any Scotland team trying to qualify."

Victory over Georgia in Tbilisi would have left Scotland one point away from guaranteed qualification.

But Wednesday's 2-0 reverse has shifted the balance in favour of the Italians, who will now be comfortable with a draw.

We know what we have to do, we know we must win to qualify and I'm sure we can get there

Celtic and Scotland defender Gary Caldwell

And that leaves Alex McLeish's side needing a win at home to the world champions next month to qualify for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

A 2-0 win over Lithuania means France now top Group B, with Scotland second and Italy third.

But Celtic defender Gary Caldwell believes that Scotland's impressive home form can take them to the European Championship finals.

Caldwell, who scored the winner against France at Hampden a year ago, said: "Five wins out of five at Hampden and I'm sure Italy aren't looking forward to it.

"I'm sure, if they thought they had to come to Hampden to stay in the competition, they wouldn't have fancied that.

"I think going away anywhere in football is hard nowadays, as was proved last night.

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"Georgia are a pretty low-ranked team, but they are a very good team and with a very hostile atmosphere, it's a hard place to go and win.

"We know what we have to do, we know we must win to qualify and I'm sure we can get there."

Caldwell was part of the Celtic side that beat European champions AC Milan in Glasgow just over a fortnight ago and he believes a similar rousing atmosphere can inspire the Scots.

"The atmosphere at Hampden on an international day is great," said Caldwell, who missed the matches against Ukraine and Georgia with a knee injury.

"And I'm sure the Tartan Army will get behind us again.

"It would be great for us to get to a finals. It's been a long time - too long - for them to miss out, so it would be good to do it this time."

SEE ALSO
McLeish still positive in defeat
17 Oct 07 |  Internationals
Khizanishvili is backing Scotland
17 Oct 07 |  Internationals
BBC pundits on Scotland
17 Oct 07 |  Internationals
Euro 2008 qualifying lowdown
15 Oct 07 |  Internationals


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