McGhee: We must focus on present

14 October 2013 09:16

National team coach Mark McGhee has urged Scotland not to dwell on the past as they aim to secure their first home win of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Gordon Strachan's men host Croatia in the final qualifier on Tuesday, having picked up just two points at Hampden so far in the section.

The Scots secured maximum points from their last two games on the road, in Croatia and Macedonia, but have to go back to September 2011, and a win over Lithuania, for their last competitive success at the national stadium.

However, McGhee wants Scotland to focus on what they can do in their next game, rather than worry about missed opportunities.

He said: "We have to play in the present.

"One of the things we've got to do is not worry about what it's been like previously.

"You look at each game in isolation and not the fact that you've not won in so many games. If you do that, you've got a better chance."

He added: "The important thing for me is that the four games since the last Croatia game have all looked the same.

"The way we played, the type of football we are playing - we can now say we know how Scotland play.

"I think, beforehand, you couldn't really say that. From game to game, it was a bit this way, that way.

Source: PA