Christophe Berra believes playing against Australia at Easter Road in front of a capacity crowd is better than a sparse crowd at Hampden.
Defender to play for Scotland against Australia
Scotland international defender Christophe Berra believes that playing their friendly against Australia at Easter Road next week in front of a capacity crowd is better than having a sparse attendance at Hampden Park.
Just over 17,500 fans attended Scotland's last home friendly hosted at Hampden, a 2-1 win over Denmark, whereas next Wednesday's game at the home of Hibernian is expected to be a 20,400 sell-out.
Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Berra was born in Edinburgh and is looking forward to the prospect of picking up his 21st international cap in his hometown.
"Sometimes earlier in the season when friendlies are played at Hampden on a midweek night we don't always get a full house but I think you will if you take it around the country," he said.
"That is especially the case in Edinburgh. Obviously it is nice and easy for me because it's where I come from and I live five minutes from Easter Road and it will be a completely different environment and we are looking forward to it."
World Cup preparations
Scotland's last friendly ended in a 5-1 defeat to USA at the end of May but Berra is only focusing on using the upcoming game against the Socceroos as preparation for the World Cup qualifying campaign which starts in September.
"I think it'll be a month before the big games start so I think everyone will be coming to impress and get into the starting line-up for the Serbia game," said the 27-year-old.
"The boys will be going out there and giving their all. Not many will be match fit as the season hasn't started - especially for the English boys - but everyone will be not far off and we will be going out there to impress, put in a good performance and get the win to please the manager and the fans.
"They will all have good fitness, especially the Celtic boys. Everyone will be at a different level with their fitness but to get together as a squad with the big games coming in a month is a good thing."
