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Ferguson focused on Italy

Image: Ferguson: Fired up

Barry Ferguson insists he has never been more confident as Scotland prepare to face Italy in their crunch Euro 2008 qualifier.

Scotland v Italy live on Sky Sports 1 from 4pm today

Barry Ferguson insists he has never been more confident as Scotland prepare for today's must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy at Hampden Park. Scotland boast a 100 per cent home record in qualifying Group B, to leave them on the brink of progressing to their first international tournament finals since the 1998 World Cup. Three points against the current world champions would guarantee Scotland a place in next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland. Having been drawn in a group containing Italy, France and Ukraine, Scotland were not given much chance of qualifying but captain Ferguson insists he and his team-mates are no longer interested in hard-luck stories.

Ability

"I've never been more confident, playing in any Scotland team, about our ability to get a result," said Ferguson. "We are certainly good enough to win. I've always been confident about this team and this squad. We are now ever so close to qualifying, we just need the three points. "I know we've had a great campaign, people will say that even if we don't get through, but that hasn't even crossed my mind. "This is probably the best Scotland team I've played in.
History
"We've got a lot of good players and this team can go a long way because there is a lot of youth alongside the experience. It can get better in years to come. "Scotland-wise, maybe even career-wise, this will be my biggest game. "I just want to get to a major championships with Scotland. That's been the main aim since I started my international career and now I'm one win away from achieving that. "There is a lot of hype but, to be honest, it's great," he said. "All the guys know that we can make a bit of history."

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