Davie Hay: Positivity is key for Scotland

It was a surprise result if I'm honest and one I don't know Scotland can take much encouragement from.

Maybe it will throw out any notion that we will catch Germany on an off-night. That defeat might just mean they make sure they don't have any slip- ups against us.

From Gordon Strachan's point of view, all you can do is go there with a positive frame of mind, and that mindset is something he has instilled in the team since he took over as national manager.

He and his players obviously need to be aware that you are playing against top quality opposition, especially away from home.

But Gordon will have them very well drilled and they will know what to expect.

In saying that, it will still be so difficult to get even a point against the Germans.

If they get anything out of the tie it will be a massive bonus to everyone concerned with the national team, especially at this stage of the campaign when you want to try and get off to a positive start.

I think making Darren Fletcher captain for the tie is the right and, more importantly, natural fit for Scotland.

He has shown great courage to overcome his illness problems, while he also looks to be a key part of Louis van Gaal's set-up at Old Trafford.

Hopefully he can help Scotland grind out a win on Sunday.

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