McFadden calls on Scotland to deliver
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Article summary
Striker James McFadden says "it's time to deliver" as Scotland look for the victory against Italy at Hampden Park that would secure their UEFA EURO 2008™ berth.
Article body
James McFadden and Kenny Miller are looking forward to the "biggest game of their lives" as they prepare for Scotland's must-win tie against Italy at Hampden Park on Saturday.
'Massive achievement'
The Scots need a victory in their final Group B fixture to ensure a place at UEFA EURO 2008™ and McFadden, who scored a sensational winner when Scotland beat France 1-0 at the Parc des Princes in September, is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Azzurri. "It's the biggest game of my career and I will be doing my best to enjoy it," said the Everton FC forward. "It's a massive achievement to take it to the last game and it doesn't get much better than having the opportunity to beat the world champions. If we beat them we effectively knock them out and that would be a great achievement in itself."
Miller confident
Miller scored the only goal for Scotland when the sides drew 1-1 at Hampden in a FIFA World Cup qualifier two years ago and the Derby County FC striker insists he will not be intimidated by the prospect of taking on one of the world's leading defenders, Real Madrid CF's Fabio Cannavaro. "At the end of the day it's just eleven against eleven," said Miller who declared himself fit after shaking off a hamstring injury. "If I'm up front on my own or with someone else I'll be looking forward to playing against Cannavaro or whoever else might play at the back. They have all the accolades but it's a one-off game. It's a cup final scenario. We've done well against them before and we can do it again."
'Time to deliver'
Ten years have elapsed since Scotland last reached the finals of a major tournament and after so many tales of glorious failure, McFadden feels it is now time to deliver. "Although we are up against the world champions, we're one game away from reaching the finals and we won't have a better chance," said the 24-year-old. "There have been loads of times in the past when Scotland have experienced dramatic failures and everyone has given us a pat on the back for being gallant losers. This time we want to be congratulated on actually achieving something. Now is the time for us to deliver."
