Sunday 19 March 2017 17:50, UK
Gordon Strachan says Scotland must beat Slovenia if they are to have any chance of reviving their 2018 World Cup qualifying hopes.
The Scots are second bottom of Group F with four points from four games but have not won in the campaign since an opening-day victory over Malta and have lost their last two fixtures 3-0, away to England and Slovakia respectively.
Strachan's side host Canada in a friendly at Easter Road on March 22 before Slovenia visit Hampden four days later, and the national team boss says Scotland must look to pick up three points.
"We must win that game," said Strachan, who named a 30-man squad for the two games on Monday. "There is no getting away from that fact but we are looking forward to that challenge and I think the fans will be looking forward to that challenge, going to a game that you must win.
"So together we can make it a right good night. The fans have always given us support but we really need it that night.
"The guys will be prepared, the fans will be prepared and we are looking to put in a right good performance."
Strachan's future with the national side was debated after defeats to England and Slovakia were preceded by a draw at home to Lithuania and it could be called into question again should his side come up short against Slovenia, but the former Celtic boss was keen to strike a more positive note.
"We have done this," he added. "It has all been done before. We knew the question would come up so it is old hat. I think fans, players, anybody who really wants us to do well will be wishing us luck and dealing with anything after the game.
"Everyone who wants to see us go to the World Cup will be backing us to win this game. The most important thing is three points and enjoying the build-up which we will be doing.
"The best part of my job is coaching and I am looking forward to that and then looking forward to the challenge of the game and whatever happens after that, we will look at it."
