IT'S THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

Clarke vows Scots won't buckle now

- BLAIR ESSON

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.

The national manager will send his players out to face Group C leaders Denmark in front of a full house knowing victory will send the Tartan Army to a World Cup finals for the first time since France 1998.

It is the winner-takes-all scenario Clarke was dreaming of when his team 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.