Scotland boss praises players bravery in Parkhead victory
Gordon Strachan is a very happy man today after he saw his Scotland side beat Ireland 1-0 last night in their Euro 2016 group clash at Parkhead and he’s been thanking the little guys in his side for the win.
The former Manchester United man feels smaller players on the side really stood up to the physical challenge posed by Martin O’ Neill’s outfit.
5’7 Shaun Maloney scored the game’s only goal while winger Ikechi Anya also standing at just 5’7 gave Ireland huge problems down the flanks.
The ex Celtic manager said afterwards:
“I have to say our smaller guys, considering the height and power they were playing against, were very brave on and off the ball. There wasn’t much football but any chance they had they did that. That’s brave to play when the ball is flying about and the tackles are flying in everywhere. That was like one of those big heavyweight boxing matches.”
There was also praise for ex Rangers man Stuart Mc Call who designed the set piece that ultimately proved crucial.
“We are just fortunate that Stuart McCall came up with that set-play he came away with. You can put on a set play but you have to be able to finish like that.”
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill defended Aiden Mc Geady who was booed at every touch last night by the home crowd and was also booked for a foul on Steven Fletcher.
O Neill admitted the winger found it tough going at his former club ground.
“I think Aiden, like a number of players, for the sort of form he has shown recently, would have been a bit frustrated, the form he has shown for us and the games he has won for us recently, he had a frustrating time.”
Ireland are due back to Dublin this morning and are set to train in Malahide in 3pm
HT to BBC
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