Barry Bannan is looking forward to the games against Lichtenstein and Spain with increased confidence after his man-of-the-match display against Lithuania. Bannan stood out in his first competitive game for his country last month, always looking for possession and sending in numerous dangerous crosses. He capped his display with the ball that set up the only goal of the game for Steven Naismith as Scotland kept alive their play-off hopes ahead of the games on Saturday and Tuesday. Bannan has since started four game for Aston Villa following an early substitute appearance at Everton immediately after his return from international duty. Bannan has yet to taste defeat in any of the six Premier League games he has featured in this season and he believes his form and fitness have improved since manager Craig Levein handed him his chance against Lithuania.
Bannan said: "The last game we got a great victory and went away with our clubs and have played more games so we will be a bit fitter. Playing with your club and getting more games, you are going to be improving every week. I have to say a big thank you to the gaffer here because my last game for Scotland against Lithuania played a big part in me getting back in with my club team." The burden of a nations hopes often cripple a Scotland side but Bannan says he does not feel any increased pressure ahead of the final two qualifiers because of his contribution against Lithuania. He said: "I wouldn't say added pressure, it just helps your confidence build. If you're confident going into games, probably nine times out of 10 you will do well. I'm really confident now because I'm playing games and just looking forward to every game that comes around." Levein will have had to make changes to his plans after losing Darren Fletcher to tonsilitis and Darren Fletcher struggling to be fit in time to face Liechtenstein on Saturday. Leeds wide man Robert Snodgrass has also pulled out of the squad, with Wigan midfielder James McArthur called up. All of which makes Bannan a good bet to start in Vaduz. He said: "It would be good but obviously it's the gaffer's decision. If I don't start in any of the games, I'm not going to cry. Obviously I would be angry and disappointed inside, who wouldn't be? But I will react in the right way and if need be I'll be ready to play." Scotland assistant manager Peter Houston this week likened Bannan's ability to keep possession to Spain midfield pair Xavi and Andres Iniesta, the latter of whom will miss the Scotland gamethrough injury. But Bannan is trying not to look ahead to Tuesday's meeting in Alicante as Scotland bid to keep alive their qualification hopes. Scotland need three more points than the Czech Republic from their final two games, with their rivals hosting Spain on Friday and visiting Lithuania on Tuesday. Bannan said: "The next game is the biggest game in our heads. We have got a tough game against Liechtenstein. The Spain game is probably the biggest one but we have got to concentrate on the first one or else the Spain game could count for nothing. Everyone that has come here believes in the squad qualifying for the championships. We have got to concentrate on our own performances first and foremost and hopefully the Czech Republic results go the right way. We have to concentrate on ourselves and hopefully Lady Luck shines on us." With Kenny Miller doubtful for the Liechtenstein game with a groin injury and Fletcher unlikely to make it, Bannan would be happy to assume penalty duties. Bannan tried to take the ball off skipper Fletcher before the Manchester United midfielder missed from the spot against Lithuania in the absence of the suspended Miller. Bannan scored from the spot in Villa's recent 1-1 draw with QPR and he said: "I'm more than happy to take them but it's up to Kenny. Kenny's the penalty-taker and if Kenny's on the pitch he'll no doubt take it. If it's there to be hit and no-one wants to hit it, I'll take it."
Source: FOOTYMAD
