David Marshall Optimistic Despite Scotland Qualifying Hopes Taking A Blow

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall is confident they can get the win against Poland that should secure a Euro 2016 place after they restored the Tartan Army's faith with a battling display against Germany.

After failing to muster a shot on target in their 1-0 defeat in Georgia - the first time in 13 matches Scotland had failed to score - Gordon Strachan's men twice found the net against the world champions at Hampden.

A 3-2 defeat ended their hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2016 but Scotland still have ambitions of third place and a play-off spot.

Victory over Poland at Hampden next month, followed by a win in their final Group D game against Gibraltar, will extend Scotland's qualifying campaign unless Republic of Ireland beat Germany and then fail to win in Warsaw.

Scotland could even draw against the Poles and still make the play-offs - if the Irish lose both of their final games.

Marshall said: It was always going to be a tough ask with the quality of team we were up against but we know if we perform like that we will beat most teams, especially at home with the crowd and everything here. So I'm positive we can play like that again.

Against Georgia we didn't create a lot of chances but we showed the quality we have got, we just didn't keep it tight enough at the back.

We just have to go and win our game and that will give us confidence, although the points were the most important thing.

We know what it's all about. We have probably had one bad result, against Georgia. Looking at our results and performances that's the one that stands out, but if we can perform the way we have done for most of the campaign, we've got a good chance of winning against Poland.''

Marshall was twice beaten in the first half by Thomas Muller, the first with the aid of a deflection, but Scotland levelled twice to make it a memorable first 45 minutes.

Manuel Neuer palmed Shaun Maloney's free-kick in off team-mate Mats Hummels before James McArthur equalised again with a controlled volley.

But Germany clinched victory in the 54th minute when Ilkay Gundogan finished in off the post after a one-two with Muller.

We just have to go and do our stuff,'' Marshall said.

If we beat Poland hopefully that can transfer some pressure on to Ireland. It's in their hands but we just have to win our games.''