Stanic says the Tartan Army will be made to feel welcome in Macedonia

East Fife's Macedonian defender Goran Stanic has said Scotland should not under-estimate Macedonia when the sides meet in Skopje on Saturday.

George Burley's side will kick-off their World Cup qualifying campaign in the City Stadium and Stanic believes the Balkans could surprise Scotland.

"It's the first time they have met in and they have different styles of football," said Stanic.

"It will be a very difficult game for both teams."

Stanic has spent the last five years in Scotland, playing for Livingston, Raith Rovers and St Johnstone before making the switch to East Fife in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to BBC Scotland, he said Burley's men would find Macedonia's style of football very different to the fast-paced game game in Scotland.

Macedonia are like other countries in the Balkans, they like to pass the ball well and keep the ball on the deck all the time Goran Stanic

"It's maybe slower than Scottish football, but the Macedonian players all know each other well and I think they have a good chance.

Stanic also said the Tartan Army would be made to feel welcome in Macedonia, and while he would normally cheer on his adopted nation during an international match, he would have to support his home country in the Group Nine opener.

"When you talk about the national team, the Macedonian people are very passionate," said Stanic.

"The stadium will be full, they really support and get behind the team all the time.

"The people are very friendly, and it's a very safe place, so I don't think there will be any trouble.

"Every time Scotland play other teams, I always support Scotland, but it's now a bit difficult because I was born there and my family is there, so I will have to support Macedonia.

"It's a difficult game to predict, as Scotland are the favourites, but from Macedonia's perspective, it will also be difficult."