Scots hope to keep feelgood factor

23 March 2011 17:00

Allan McGregor is determined to see Scotland maintain the feelgood factor with a positive result against Brazil after fearing Craig Levein's men had been written off just six months ago.

The goalkeeper was well aware of the criticism which followed the 1-0 defeat to the Czech Republic in Prague in October. Some of the gloom which followed that loss was lifted by a credible performance against world champions Spain a week later before back-to-back wins over the Faroe Islands and Northern Ireland restored some optimism for the Scots.

"It's amazing how it changes," said McGregor. "Four games ago we were getting dog's abuse and the gaffer was getting it tight but now everything has changed. The last game against Northern Ireland was good and the boys did really well, which was pleasing."

He added: "We now face Brazil and then have a couple of games before we get back to business when the qualifiers come around, but I don't think, four games ago, you can say we are this and that and then we play the Faroe Islands and Northern Ireland and everyone is raving about us again.

"The boys did great but we need to keep it going now."

The meeting with Mano Menezes' side is likely to be a different prospect from their last couple of outings but McGregor has urged his team-mates to savour the occasion on Sunday.

"I think it will be a great game and it's one that everyone should look forward to," he said. "It's not every day you get the chance to play against a team like that.

"With it being at the Emirates, I would expect a right few Scottish fans to travel down to London which should add to the day.

"I'm not sure the ground will be full but for the players it will be a match to savour. It will be a big challenge but you want to test yourself against the best players in the world.

"Brazil are definitely up there with the best and hopefully we can do well."

Source: PA