Attack is the way forward for McCall...

SCOTLAND coach Stuart McCall boomed out the three words the Tartan Army wanted to hear ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Wales on Friday.

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McCall will make a welcome return to Hampden
McCall will make a welcome return to Hampden

Attack, attack, attack.

It's win or bust for the Scots, who need a victory to rekindle what remains of our slim chances of competing at Rio 2014.

And despite trailing with only two points from our opening four games, McCall insisted there is only positivity coursing through the squad.

The man who won his first cap in a victory over Argentina at Hampden believes the team is beginning to reflect the image of manager Gordon Strachan in being entertaining, but effective.

McCall said: "It is not about tricks and flicks, it's about the end product. And we've got players who can go by people and create.

"In my day, we had good passers, guys like Gary McAllister, John Collins and Paul McStay.

"We were workman-like and had a good team ethic. But here, there are players who can eliminate opponents.

"They have to work within the team shape you have got. But you want players who will take people on and be a threat.

"You want the opposition to look at us in possession and know 'This lad can take me on' just like people think of Gareth Bale.

"I think the gaffer has got a few selection dilemmas because we have got a few players who can do that.

"So, that's the gist of it – attack, attack, attack."

McCall has clearly bought into Strachan's positive philosophy, and is confident the players have, too.

"If you look at some of the comments from the lads after Gordon's first game in charge against Estonia, he got his points over, both in terms of when we have got the ball and when we don't have it," said the Motherwell manager.

"Gordon is someone who wants to get players on the park who can not only entertain and excite, but who can actually make things happen.

"Bringing in Chris Burke out of the blue was an example of that."

McCall added: "It will be very emotional for Gordon and all of his family on Friday night, it will be for me as well.

"Hopefully the Hampden roar comes out.

"In an ideal world you want to win and put in a truly scintillating performance.

"But we've got to try and build a platform for the future.

"If we can get the three points, we can go to Serbia in a positive manner."

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