Scotland midfielder Scott Brown insists Italy may 'not fancy' Saturday's trip to Hampden Park.
Celtic star holds no fear ahead of crucial Hampden clash
Scotland midfielder Scott Brown insists Italy may 'not fancy' a trip to Hampden Park as he readies himself for a monumental Euro 2008 qualifier.
Saturday's clash sees Scotland presented with a golden opportunity to qualify as Alex McLeish's men know a victory would book their passage to Austria and Switzerland.
Anything less and it could well be a case of so near yet so far for a nation that has exceeded all expectations, in a qualifying group that contains not only world champions Italy but also the much-fancied French.
Such pressure though appears to be inspiring rather than daunting for Celtic star Brown, who has now issued a spirited rallying call.
Of the opinion that it is the Italians rather than Scots that should be scared, Brown is confident his side will deliver the required performance at the weekend.
"Our last few results have made us realise that we are capable of beating anyone on our day," Brown told the Daily Record.
"We've beaten France twice so why shouldn't we be confident?
"Italy? They're just another team - why should we be scared of them?"
Home backing
Brown feels that a partisan home crowd could hold the key to Scotland's success.
"In fact, they should be scared of us. They have to come to Hampden and deal with us and deal with our supporters.
"I'm not sure that they'll fancy it - I certainly hope they don't. They're going to have 50,000 Scots right in their faces and they know they're going to have a helluva battle.
"These fans can make all the difference. They really are a 12th man for us and all the players appreciate the backing they have given us throughout the campaign.
"I don't think we could have got this far without them."
