Craig Levein leads his new look Scotland side out for the first time at Hampden tonight with Czech Republic providing the opposition, live on Sky Sports from 8pm.
The former Dundee United manager has had some big decisions to make already, paving the way for previous cast-outs Barry Ferguson, Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd to make a return.
Levein may have banned alcohol from all Scotland camps in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last years infamous ‘Boozegate’ incident on the banks of Loch Lomond but the Dunfermline born gaffer knows keeping the squad sober is just a small step towards getting the Dark Blues back on the winning trail.
The Tartan Army haven’t saw their heroes win since a 2-0 September victory over lowly Macedonia but they have now put their trust in an inexperienced 45 year old in an attempt to bring back the glory days.
Levein has been brutally honest since his appointment, not promising any miracles but instead vowing to concentrate on making his men hard to beat before dreaming of qualification for any major tournament. The Scots have failed to score in their last three outings whilst conceding six goals in the process and with Kenny Miller set to start up front on his own, a high scoring affair doesn’t look likely.
The Czech’s may have failed to win in their last two attempts but the visitors have beaten Scotland convincingly in the three meetings between the sides, meaning the 19/10 (Betfred) merits consideration.
Levein will pack the midfield in an attempt to lock the back door and leave this encounter with his respect intact and under 2.5 goals can be dabbled in at 4/6 (Stan James).
