Berra remains upbeat despite Serbia stalemate

Christophe Berra: Believes Scotland can take a lot of positives from their goalless draw with Serbia

Scotland defender Christophe Berra felt there were plenty of positives to take from the World Cup qualifying opener against Serbia despite being held to a goalless home draw.

Scotland created the better chances against the second seeds in Group A but a section of the Hampden crowd booed their team at the final whistle.

Steven Naismith - who could face retrospective punishment for an apparent off-the-ball elbow on Srdan Mijailovic - had the best opportunity when he was played through by Gary Caldwell, but missed the target with only the keeper to beat.

Kenny Miller failed to make the most of several half-chances and Robert Snodgrass also had a one-on-one, saved well by Vladimir Stojkovic from a tight angle.

Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor made a vital last-ditch save from Dusan Tadic in the final minute but even then Scotland had the last chance with Stojkovic saving well from substitute James Forrest.

Berra became a father for the first time on Wednesday and his positive mood was not badly affected by the two dropped points.

"I thought we had the better chances in the game, Greegs [McGregor] only had one save to make towards the end," said Berra.

Positives

"We're disappointed not to get the three points but we'll take a point and take a lot of positives from the game and we're looking forward to Macedonia on Tuesday.

"I thought from back to front we defended well and were solid.

"They had a lot of the ball at some points during the game but we frustrated them and had chances on the counter-attack."

Berra accepted that Scotland fans will expect to win home games, which continues with the visit of Macedonia on Tuesday night and the defender feels four points from their opening two games will be a solid start from Scotland.

"I think the way we performed against Serbia, who are a top team, when we go over there to play them we won't have any fears," added Berra.

"If we win on Tuesday we walk away with four points and I think that would be pleasing all round."
Christophe Berra

"We deserved to win the game, we had the better chances and we were just unlucky the ball didn't fall for us in the box a couple of times.

"If we win on Tuesday we walk away with four points and I think that would be pleasing all round."

Berra gave an assured performance in central defence but his appearance was less than certain earlier in the week as he awaited the arrival of his first child.

Berra's partner, Amy, gave birth to their baby daughter Savannah on Wednesday, allowing Berra to join up with his Scotland team-mates 24 hours later.

The 27-year-old said: "If it was 24 hours later on Thursday I probably wouldn't have made it. She had the baby on Wednesday morning.

"I made sure with her it was okay for me to come up because if she wasn't happy and needed me there then I probably wouldn't have come.

"But I'm glad she let me come to keep a clean sheet. I was happy to do that and I'm looking forward to dealing with the game on Tuesday then going back home to see the family.

"It's been a hectic week. Coming into the game I've got so many thoughts running through my head but I just had to try to get focused and get through the game.

"To get a clean sheet as a defender is very pleasing and it tops off a good week."

Dixon praise

Manager Craig Levein had several worries over his defence earlier in the week with a total of five full-backs missing.

But Huddersfield left-back Paul Dixon stepped in for an impressive debut.

Berra said: "A lot of people might have had doubts but he was top man, a well-deserved man of the match and put in a great performance.

"He defended one-on-ones very well against (Branislav) Ivanovic and going forward he held his own and put some good crosses in.

"I don't think you could ask for a better debut."