Czech Rep v Scotland: Steve Clarke says side won't 'run away' from expectancy
- Published
Clarke 'expects a tough game' against makeshift Czech Republic
Nations League, Group B2: Scotland v Israel |
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Venue: Andruv Stadium, Olomouc Date: Monday, 7 September Kick-off: 19:45 BST |
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland 810MW/DAB/online; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app; highlights on BBC Scotland channel from 23:00 |
Scotland will not "run away" from being favourites against a shadow Czech Republic side, says Steve Clarke.
Monday's hosts will field a makeshift side, with the main team quarantined amid Covid-19 concerns.
Head coach Clarke, whose side drew their opening Nations League match with Israel on Friday, accepts there is more pressure for Scotland's second game.
"If people want to say that, that's fine. We're prepared to play the team the Czech Republic put out," he said.
"They will be a good level because they are playing in the top flight in Czech Republic. If you were going as a club side from Britain to play a Czech team, you would expect a tough game."
Shortly after their win in Slovakia on Friday, the Czech FA tweeted that Monday's game was cancelled.
However, on Saturday, Uefa insisted the game was on and the Czech FA then said a team of "new players" with a different coaching staff would fulfil the fixture.
Asked if the game should be played, Clarke said: "Yeah, of course. I'd be happier if I was playing against full Czech team but we're in a very strange time. You have to adjust and adapt.
"Obviously, it's a different, new look Czech Republic team. We have the list of names that I believe is the official squad and there will be some changes [to the Scotland team]."