Gordon Strachan believes Scotland players' mindset has changed ahead of Slovenia game
Friday 6 October 2017 18:07, UK
Scotland players have transformed their mentality from playing in a "relegation battle to a championship race", according to manager Gordon Strachan.
Scotland travel to Slovenia on Sunday for their final World Cup Qualifier knowing victory will secure a spot in November's play-offs.
The Scots beat Slovakia 1-0 at Hampden Park on Thursday, thanks a late Martin Skrtel own goal, which moved them up to second place in Group F - six points behind leaders England.
And Strachan admits it has been a difficult but rewarding campaign to get to this stage.
"Every game was different, every game had its own pressure," he said.
"Other teams had different styles and they dealt with everything. The first couple of games was like being in a relegation battle and the last couple have been like a championship game."
Scotland have lost just two of their nine qualifiers for Russia 2018 though face a stiff task against Slovenia who matched England for much of their meeting on Thursday.
Despite the added pressure of Sunday's crucial game, Strachan insists no major changes have been made to Scotland's preparations, but admitted to the threat the Slovenian's will pose.
"We had to play really well to beat them here and again with a late, late goal," added the Scotland boss.
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"They are a good side. I think people are getting around to it now.
"They [teams] never used to do their homework and think that should be easy.
"I think we're way past that now. Most fans understand that they are hard teams to play against."
Slovenia face Scotland on Sunday at 17:00, live on Sky Sports Football.
