SQUAD CAN HOLD NERVE

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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 orexcited by the challenge ahead, they wouldn't be at this level.

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

“But they just have to prepare for a game of football and make sure they are focused on how we want to play it.

“They have to be focused on what Denmark might do. That’s our job as a coaching staff to give them an idea of what to expect.

“Then, when they cross the white line, they have to go out and play.

“And if they go out and play like they can play, then I believe they are good enough to get the result we need.”

Clarke was also asked at yesterday's pre-match media conference if he buys into the theory that Scotland's safe passage to America, Canada and Mexico has somehow been written in the stars.

The feeling they might be fated to reach the biggest stage of all grew arms and legs on Saturday night after Scotland crashed to a 3-2 defeat against Greece.