Clarke backs his troops to shine

STEVE CLARKE insists his Scotland stars will not suffer stage fright at Hampden tonight - even though the rest of the nation is now gripped by World Cup nerves.

- KEITH JACKSON

The national boss will send his players out to face Denmark in front of a full house knowing a win will send us to a World Cup finals for the first time since France 98.

It's the last-match winner-takes-all scenario Clarke was dreaming of when he started out this latest qualification quest three months ago with a draw against the top seeds in Copenhagen.

And now, as fans hold their breath in anticipation while counting down the hours to a 7.45pm kickoff, Clarke is adamant his big-time performers will not struggle to cope with the colossal weight of pressure and demands about to be placed squarely on their shoulders.

Asked if it is possible to insulate them from the building big-match anxiety, the manager said: "The players have got a job to do.

"If they are not nervous or excited by the challenge ahead, they wouldn't be at this level.

"They understand the magnitude of the game and what it means.