Roberto Martinez has praised opposite number Steve Clarke as his Belgium side prepare to welcome Scotland for a Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday.
Oliver Burke’s 89th-minute strike earned Clarke a 2-1 victory over Cyprus in his first game as Scotland manager on Saturday at Hampden Park. The Tartan Army now face the acid test in their Group I journey as they head to Brussels to face last year’s World Cup semi-finalists.
Martinez says Clarke will bring tactical clarity to Scotland and ensure they have a clear game plan in their minds. “I rate and admire him immensely as a manager and the experience that he has,” he said.
“He gives teams clarity, they know exactly what they need to do on the pitch. “He adds to the direction of what the team wants to achieve. I expect a team that is well positioned and will know exactly how to stop us.”
Andy Robertson scored a stunning opener against Cyprus and is fresh off winning the Champions League with Liverpool in Madrid. While Scotland stuttered in overcoming Cyprus, the Belgian boss feels they’ll have taken confidence from getting a late winner and Martinez has warned his team to be ready for a battle.
“It was a very young Scottish team trying new things, taking risks,” he told Sky Sports.
“I expect them to be very confident after getting a late goal and winning the three points against Cyprus. “You can see the feel-good factor around the camp with Steve Clarke.
“They are strong defensively and are using the qualities they have extremely well. That have quick players in good form who can hurt you in the transitions.” Belgium are 6.00 to beat Scotland 3-0.
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