Weir relishes Italy test
Scotland's veteran defender David Weir is excited about the prospect of locking horns with Italy.
Last Updated: 16/11/07 3:49pm
Scotland's veteran defender David Weir is excited about the prospect of locking horns with Italy.
The 37-year-old played at the 1998 World Cup, in Scotland's last appearance at a major tournament and is desperate for a repeat.
The Scots need to beat Italy at Hampden Park on Saturday to book their place in Austria and Switzerland next summer.
"We're looking forward to it," Weir said.
"It's a massive game for the players, a massive game for the country. We're excited about it but there's also the realisation that we've got a job to do."
Disappointed
He told Sky Sports News, that the players excluded from Alex McLeish's starting XI were inevitably upset to miss out after the Scotland boss told the squad the team.
"The lads who are playing are happy. The lads who are not playing are disappointed," Weir said.
"But I think the secret of this squad is that everybody has contributed and everybody has played their part.
"There are 11 lads who are starting the game but I'm sure during the game there will be people introduced who will contribute as well."
Scotland have prepared for the game with McLeish reiterating the point that Italy's status as World Cup winners means the hosts are up against it.
Weir said: "They're the best team in the world, it's as simple as that.
Optimism
"They're the world champions. We've got to counter that. We've got to be at our best to have any chance of getting something."
However, there is plenty of optimism in the Scotland camp.
"There's definitely a belief," said Rangers centre-back Weir.
"I think we've given ourselves confidence with how the campaign has gone so far.
"But we also realise we've got to perform on the day.
"What's gone beforehand doesn't influence what's going to happen tomorrow. We realise we've got to go out tomorrow and put a performance in and work hard for each other."
