Austrian warm-up for Scotland

Scotland have arranged a friendly international against Austria in April 2003 ahead of their EURO 2004™ Group 5 meeting with Germany in June of that year.

Develop a side
The Scots were scheduled to play the Republic of Ireland on 30 April but that game has been switched to 12 February. The games have been arranged to help Scotland's German manager Berti Vogts develop a side capable of beating his countrymen at Hampden Park on 7 June.

More games likely
The Scottish Football Association confirmed that they may arrange further friendlies for May 2003 as they are keen to keep players fit following the conclusion of the English season that month.

Germany on top
Germany lead Group 5 with maximum points from two games from Scotland who drew away with the Faroe Islands before an excellent 2-0 win in Iceland. Austria won their opening two matches in Group 3 before succumbing to the Netherlands 3-0 at home on 16 October.