Scotland make plans for Bale

Mark McGhee admits that Scotland have drawn up a special plan to deal with Gareth Bale in Friday's World Cup qualifier.

Last Updated: 19/03/13 at 15:12 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Group A. Click here to bet.

Mark McGhee: 'We will have a plan to deal with him but we are the home team

Mark McGhee: 'We will have a plan to deal with him but we are the home team

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The Scotland assistant manager believes the Scots have enough firepower and finesse in their own ranks to deal with any threat from the Tottenham wing-back in the Sky Live clash.

"I've been watching a lot of Gareth Bale recently. We will have a plan to deal with him but we are the home team and will exert our own pressure.

"I've seen teams who have dealt with Bale's quality. I don't think we will be man-marking him.

"Liam Bridcutt is such a consistent performer. You know exactly what you are going to get with him.

"We will ask the players to do what they are good at. It's not a case of moulding them into a rigid system."

George Boyd and Gary Mackay-Steven are both expected to feature against the Welsh and they are confident of nullifying Bale - and getting a result - in the Group A clash.

Peterborough's Boyd said: "When Gordon was appointed I did have hope I'd be selected. This is my chance to show what I can do now."

"I think it's important not to just concentrate on Gareth Bale. I've played against him before but we also have good attacking options. It's going to a fantastic night."

Dundee United's Mackay-Steven, fresh from the Tayside derby on Sunday, added: "I've been buzzing since the squad was named. My career has been a whirlwind since I joined United. I just hope it continues.

"There's an upbeat feel about the whole squad. As a winger, I appreciate how good Bale is but we need to focus on what we can do.

"The manager has just told me to do what I always do. I've been told to express myself and be positive going forward."

Ross McCormack, James Forrest and Danny Fox have all withdrawn from the squad and Norwich City's Steven Whittaker has been called up as cover.

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