Stephen McManus has warned Gordon Strachan’s class of 2015 not to blow their Euro qualification campaign in Georgia - like the Scotland squad of 2007 did.

McManus, capped 26 times for his country, was part of Alex McLeish’s side that disastrous night in Tbilisi where the confident Scots were humbled 2-0.

He is now praying that current national team boss Strachan won’t allow his players to make the same mistakes the side did then.

“I played over there having just beaten Ukraine at Hampden,” he said.

“There was a different feel to the game. When you play international football for Scotland, everything is based on being compact and disciplined within your shape, being resolute and hard to beat.

“Whereas that game, I remember Alex McLeish saying to us that they’d a 16-year-old going in goals, a 17-year-old in the middle of the park who was making his debut and that we were going out to win the game.

“I don’t think we had a shot on goal. When you look back at the campaign that was a huge factor on the fact we didn’t qualify.

“We were so close. I loved my time but looking back, the Georgia game was the one that got away. It was a tough one to take.

“You can’t say that the current group won’t do the same again because anything can happen.

“You can’t say just because that team let it slip in 2007 there’s no way this team will do it.

“But I certainly believe that the way Gordon has structured his team and the players at his disposal are excellent so I really think we’ll get to the finals in the summer.”

McManus was speaking as Motherwell promoted Saturday’s testimonial for club legend Keith Lasley against Bolton at Fir Park.

“From the minute I came in the door here, you realise how good a person he is first and foremost,” he said.

“I couldn’t speak highly enough of him with the way he conducts himself off and on the pitch.

“I’ve got a lot of time for him and a lot of respect for him.

“As a player he’s very under-rated. You probably don’t realise the job he does for the team.

“Technically, he’s a miles better footballer than people think because he does the dirty side of the game well.

“He deserves everything he gets on Saturday. I hope there’s a real good turnout.

“Motherwell just seems to fit with guys like him.

“He’s a vital cog in this football club and everything it stands for.”