Scotland's attacking aim

Rookie keeper handed debut for game

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 17th October 2007

Toppmoller Georgia

Toppmoller: Attack belief

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Group B leaders Scotland will have to attack in Wednesday's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Georgia.

That's the view of Georgia's coach Klaus Toppmoller, who believes that the Scots will target three points against his team before trying for a home point against Italy in their last game to secure qualification.

But this will mean the Scots will have to be more offensively-minded than normal, after much of their success so far has been built on a solid defence and hitting on the break.

Toppmoller said: "Scotland have a good defence.

Attack

"But they must attack because they have to get the three points against us so that they will be able to qualify with one point against Italy.

"So we will see how they play when they have to attack during a game to get the three points."

In Wednesday's game, Toppmoller will give 17-year-old goalkeeper Georgi Makaridze his debut.

The fourth-choice Dinamo Tbilisi keeper is taking over from number one Georgi Lomaia, who had a nightmare in the 2-0 defeat in Italy.

Talent

Despite his age, Toppmoller is extremely confident in his young protégé's potential, saying: "He is the greatest talent that I have ever coached.

"In two years, he will be playing for a big club in Europe - who knows, maybe after this game?

"He has been fantastic in training and I think he will have a great career ahead of him.

"Great players like Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff were playing at 17.

"It doesn't matter that he has not been playing for his first team. If a player is quality then he will play well."