Scotland manager Craig Levein has promised the nation a much-improved display in his first competitive match. Scotland's preparations for their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign suffered a blow last month when a weakened team lost 3-0 in Sweden.
But Levein will recall Kenny Miller and David Weir against Lithuania in Kaunas and the former Scotland defender is also able to call upon the services of experienced players such as Stephen McManus, Paul Hartley, Lee McCulloch, Scott Brown and Alan Hutton.
"I assure you we will be better than we were in Sweden," Levein said. "I hesitate to go back too often to the Sweden game. There are lessons to be learned but there could be seven or eight players different in this match from the last one so it's probably not a fair comparison.
"We have learned lessons and the most important one is the manager has learned that friendlies are quite important.
"The tempo of training has improved enormously and I think it's because of the importance of the game.
"The team hasn't been named and all the players are wanting to be selected. We have some of the experienced players back in, guys who have done things properly throughout their career.
"They set the professionalism in training so it's no coincidence that the tempo has improved. I have been happy with what has happened this week, although sometimes that doesn't always manifest itself on the pitch."
Scotland kicked off their previous European Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory in Kaunas and went on to push Italy and France until the final moments of their qualifying group.
"We have had a chat already with some of the guys who have played against Lithuania at the stadium and against some of the players we are playing against," Levein said.
"It's helpful for any team not be fazed by the surroundings." That victory four years ago allowed Scotland to push the then world champions, Italy, and runners-up France for qualification, and they again face the best team on the planet this time with Spain the clear favourites in a group that also contains the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein.
Despite realising the crucial nature of the opening game, Levein does not believe Scotland's chances of qualification hinge on a winning start. "I don't know where the points are going to come from in the group," the former Hearts and Dundee United manager said.
"We might draw all our away games and win all the home games and go through. But I understand the importance of this game. There are only five teams in our group and eight games.
"Recent results in Scotland in European competition have put the onus on us to do well. We want to do our best for the country.
"But it's disrespectful to say we have to take points from any team. You have to earn them. I know how hard it is to be a football manager and to get things right.
"We have got good players, particularly if everyone in the squad is fit and available. The players understand the importance of this match.
"I think it will be evenly balanced. Lithuania are the home team and arguably because of that might be favourites. But I look at the players we have and I'm relaxed going into this game. I know we have got match-winners in the team."
Source: DSG
