Clarke urges Tartan Army to get behind Scotland for Russia Clash
"It's two really important games for us and we are going to need a big crowd,'' the Scotland boss said.
Last updated 28th Aug 2019
Scotland manager Steve Clarke has urged the Tartan Army to mobilise for the crucial visit of Russia.
Scotland are chasing the Russians in Group I of the Euro 2020 qualifiers following their shock opening defeat in Kazakhstan.
The 2018 World Cup hosts are already three points and 15 goals better off than Clarke's men following four matches.
So the September 6 Hampden clash looks like being pivotal in Scotland's attempts to qualify for the European Championship finals.
Clarke's men host leaders Belgium three days later before the return game against Russia in Moscow the following month.
"It's two really important games for us and we are going to need a big crowd,'' the Scotland boss said.
"These three games coming up, the two home games against the top two teams in the group and a trip to Russia, the number of points we get from these games are going to be crucial.
"I would love the Russia game to be a full house. The closer we can get to a full house, that backing would maybe just give the players that extra lift and motivation because we know how crucial these games are.
"We are going to be well prepared and we are going to give it everything we have got to get the points that we need to stay in contention to qualify.
"Don't forget Russia in the last World Cup were (in the) last eight, looked a very, very good side.
"I have watched them a lot on video over the summer, they are a good side, a handful, and have a lot of really good players. So we have to be very respectful.
"But we think here at Hampden with the backing of a large crowd we can get something out that game.''
Clarke's reign began with a late win over Cyprus and a 3-0 defeat in Brussels in June.
"Belgium, (the) number one team in the world - we have first-hand experience at the end of last season how difficult it is to play against Belgium, but football is a strange game,'' he said.
"The scoreline was 3-0 and it looks a bit of a spanking.
"We didn't deserve to get anything from the game but there were moments in that game where I thought the team looked good and in football, sometimes - if the moment goes for you - you can nick a result against top teams. So that's what we have to do in the second game."