Crawford calls for Scottish spirit

The Dunfermline striker is ready to lead the line for Saturday's first leg at Hampden Park, with Scotland huge underdogs to reach the finals in Portugal.

Scotland have few footballers who would be considered by Oranje coach Dick Advocaat for his squad, let alone starting line-up, and the former Rangers boss is expected to guide his temperamental team to the tournament.

But despite Holland's reputation, and their tag as overwhelming favourites for the tie, Crawford is adamant the Scots will not be afraid of their play-off foes.

"It's a draw we would probably like to have avoided but, although technically Holland are one of the best sides in the world and we will go in as underdogs, the only pressure we will be under is the pressure that the manager puts on us," said Crawford.

"You can't ignore the quality that they have got but you can't go into the game fearing that.

"If you do then there is only going to be one outcome. We can't worry about Holland too much.

"We have got to go in with the Scottish spirit and get 'wired in'. The spirit we have got in the squad in the moment is good so we will all go for it.

"They are very gifted players but we are hoping we can get stuck in and make life difficult for them. We know you can't give them time on the ball. If you give any team time on the ball they are going to hurt you."

The 29-year-old also concedes several of his international colleagues are aware this could be their last chance to represent their country at a major tournament.

He added: "There are a few of us who are at an age where we would love to qualify for a major championship.

"The chance to play in a major tournament is something that a few of us do not want to give up too easily.

"It's not a fear that if we don't qualify Berti (Vogts) will turn to someone younger but realistically that could happen.

"On the other hand, I'm not one for turning round and saying I will hang up my boots."