Gordon Strachan’s excuse for Scotland’s World Cup failure has raised a few eyebrows

"We had to pick a team to combat the height and strength at set-plays. Genetically we have to work at things, maybe we get big women and men together and see what we can do.

"But it is a problem for us because we have to fight harder for every ball and jump higher than anyone else. "Nobody can tell me their technique, apart from one player, is better than any of ours. But physically we have a problem. We seem to be able to battle it and get through just with sheer determination and skill and work-rate. And that takes a lot out of you." Strachan refused to be drawn on his future amid suggestions that his failure to secure the Scots a place in Russia next year would result in his dismissal. But the 60-year-old remained adamant that a size difference, rather than any tactical issues, was the reason for Sunday night's draw. "When you see them at the end of the game, I don't think I have seen a group of players that exhausted and disappointed," he added.