Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has urged his players to set the ball rolling on a successful weekend for Scottish sport by delivering a knockout blow to Belgium.
The Scots host the Group A leaders in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden on Friday, 24 hours before boxer Ricky Burns defends his WBO lightweight title against Raymundo Beltran in Glasgow.
Burns was at the national stadium on Thursday morning to meet the Scotland boss and the players before all parties prepare to face their respective tough challenges.
And, asked if he had any advice for the Coatbridge fighter, Strachan said: "I had about 10 seconds as a boxer.
"I got smacked in the face, threw the gloves away and went home to my mother crying.
"So I've got absolutely no advice to give to him. I've got to say, they are the bravest people in sport, these boxers.
"We are hoping that, over the weekend, Ricky will do well and we will do well. Hopefully, we can start the ball rolling for a terrific weekend of sport."
Strachan wants to see bravery from his own players as they aim to put on a show for the Tartan Army against one of the world's top footballing nations.
He said: "You have to be brave on the ball but not in silly areas.
"It's difficult to take the game to people. It's easier to defend when the ball is coming at you. You have to be pro-active at home more.
Source: PA
