SAM Nicholson insists Scotland go into tomorrow night’s must-win Under-21 European Championship qualifier against Northern Ireland in Paisley with their confidence intact despite last week’s 2-0 defeat to France.
The Hearts winger reckons Ricky Sbragia’s side showed up well in Angers against a team containing players who have featured in the Champions League and that the Scots gained valuable experience.
Nicholson said: “Last Thursday was very tough. They had players from some of the best teams in Europe, and it was always going to be a big step up for us. Adrien Rabiot scored at Stamford Bridge for PSG in the Champions League a few weeks ago, for example, so that was the sort of level we were up against.
“Despite that, I thought we played really well. We’ve got Jack [Hamilton, the Scotland goalkeeper] to thank for keeping it 0-0 for so long. He was outstanding, and we also worked well as a team. Overall, it was a good experience, and a definite learning curve for the boys.”
The Scots need a victory at St Mirren’s Paisley 2021 Stadium to keep alive their hopes of reaching next summer’s finals in Poland.
Nicholson said: “Northern Ireland will also be a difficult match, although in a different way.
“They are difficult to break down, and we’ll need a similar performance and work ethic from when we won against them last time if we’re to get the win on Tuesday.
“We know how important it is that we get the three points if we are to qualify out of the group. We have to focus on getting the right result.”
Hearts are well represented in the squad, with Nicholson joined by John Souttar, Jordan McGhee and Liam Smith. He feels the continuity this creates can only be a good thing.
Nicholson said: “It’s massive for us, and for the club too. We play in a similar style with Hearts to how we play when we’re away with the under-21s. It’s obvious, though, that from the players from other clubs in the squad there is a lot of quality.
“Everyone wants to play in the same style, and I think a lot of that is down to Ricky and the squads he picks. We all work hard for each other and all have the same goal.”
The match kicks off at 4pm. Tickets, costing £5 for adults and £2 for concessions, can be bought on the day.
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