Watch Russia vs Scotland on Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports Football; Kick-off is at 7.45pm
Thursday 10 October 2019 06:34, UK
Steve Clarke wants Scotland to take inspiration from Russia ahead of their European Qualifier in Moscow on Thursday night.
The 2018 World Cup hosts were written off inside and outside their own country before storming to the quarter-finals, eventually losing to Croatia on penalties.
Russia captain Artem Dzyuba recalled on Wednesday how they had changed perceptions with results and an appreciation of their supporters, and he was surprised the Scottish media did not have more faith in their
national team.
With four defeats in six qualifiers, Scotland have almost no chance of a top-two spot in Group I but still have the play-offs in March to attempt to secure Hampden appearances at Euro 2020.
"Just as I was sitting in the changing rooms I saw the comments from Dzyuba and they were very good I thought - the way he spoke about the supporters getting behind the Russian national team and being very supportive," Clarke said.
"There was a time when there was a disconnect between the Russian fans and the Russian team and now they have that togetherness.
"Hopefully we can build that with the Scottish fans and hopefully find ourselves taking part in a tournament that some part of it is going to be in Scotland."
