Lithuania fear Scotland full-backs ahead of World Cup qualifier
Friday 7 October 2016 20:19, UK
Lithuania boss Edgaras Jankauskas admits he fears the impact Scotland's full-backs could have as the sides prepare to meet at Hampden Park on Saturday.
The former Hearts striker watched Callum Paterson and Andy Robertson play significant roles as the Scots won their World Cup qualifying opener against Malta 5-1 last month.
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan insists he is yet to decide if Robertson will play amid competition for his place from Celtic's Kieran Tierney and Rangers captain Lee Wallace.
Jankauskas is concerned, however, that whoever starts could have the same kind of effect against his team.
He said: "We watched the film of Scotland's game with Malta and we saw how they can harm any team.
"The first half gives us a little hope because when Malta had all their players on the pitch, they did quite well. It was not so easy to break that wall.
"But the match goes for 90 minutes and all the Scottish players are representing clubs in England and Germany and are used to that physical demands of the game.
"I saw a lot of strengths in the Scotland team. Those full-back runs created space for them and the crosses can harm any team.
"It was a very good example in the last game against Malta when the full-backs just killed the game with their sharp runs and good crosses into the area.
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"We're the same as Malta, we are not so lucky to have those same experiences as Scotland. We have no players playing in the biggest leagues in England, Spain or Italy.
"I'm sure at some point that will show up on the pitch. We know we will have to put in a very good performance to match up to the Scottish team."
Lithuania have lost on each of their previous four visits to Glasgow and are underdogs going into this weekend's match, which is live on Sky Sports.
Jankauskas maintains that means all the pressure is on his opposite number and added: "We know that the old stats are against us.
"We accept that we are not favourites for tomorrow's match but it's okay, all good runs and all bad runs have to come to an end at some point.
"I'm not concerned about the facts. What bothers me more is my team, the way we approach the game and the way we will face such a strong and physical team like Scotland.
"It's not a secret Scotland has more pressure on their shoulders than we do. We know that we are underdogs, even without mentioning the old stats.
"I have no doubts that Scotland will have a go against us and the only result they will accept is a victory."
