3/1 To Win
Derby County goalkeeper David Marshall faces three crucial fixtures during this international period with Scotland.
The Rams' shot-stopper could help the Tartan Army secure qualification for the upcoming European Championships tournament as they face Serbia on Thursday 12th November (7.45pm kick off).
A win would see them qualify for the competition next summer and be placed in Group D alongside England, Croatia and the Czech Republic.
It would be the first time Scotland have qualified for a major tournament since the World Cup in France in 1998, when Marshall would have only been 13 years of age.
It is set to be a nervy evening in Belgrade and Marshall knows how important this victory could be to the whole country.
“You can definitely feel the country willing us to do it again,” said Marshall, speaking to FIFA's official website. “It’s a real shame there aren’t fans in the stadiums right now because you know the atmosphere would be unreal. But with social media, and seeing videos, you get a feeling for what’s happening out there and what it means to people.
“We’re just desperate to qualify, and you'd hope that if we can do it, fans will be allowed back in again once the tournament rolls around. The Tartan Army have been fantastic and definitely deserve something to look forward to.”
Marshall has vivid memories of the last time Scotland qualified for a major tournament.
“I was just a kid then but I do remember sitting down for the first game again Brazil, and the boys coming out pre-match in their kilts,” recalled Marshall. “I can remember EURO 96 too – that’s probably my first Scotland memory – and at that time you think it’s normal, the team being at big tournaments.”
Manager Steve Clarke could be the first manager to succeed in taking Scotland to a major tournament since Craig Brown in 1998.
And Marshall, who is set to win his 40th cap should he start against Serbia, spoke of the admiration for the job Clarke has done since taking over from Alex McLeish.
“The gaffer’s always had a plan there," the goalkeeper added. "He stayed calm and slowly built something that everyone can see taking shape now. These things take time to come together. We’ve had five or six games now as a back three and it was something the gaffer identified as being a good system against the threat of Israel in particular.
“His attention to detail is fantastic and the lads have been right behind him. But you need to get results for everyone else to see that, and that’s why it was so good to get those wins and clean sheets last month. It just shows everyone that we’re going in the right direction.
“I definitely feel good in this Scotland team. I’ve been playing well at club level for the past couple of years and now I’m proving myself with the national team. I’m really enjoying it and just want to keep my standards high and play my part in something special for the country.”
Scotland also face trips to Slovakia and Israel as they bid to qualify from their UEFA Nations League group. They currently top Group B2 and know one win will see them promoted to League A.
