INJURED goalkeeper David Marshall believes Scotland must take at least four points from Macedonia and Iceland.
The Norwich City player has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifying clashes due to a knee injury but will watch from home as George Burley's side go in search of a victory in Skopje this afternoon.
"I think we would like four points from the tw
o games, but it is possible to get six," he said. "But, then again, it is also possible we could only get one, so that is why the first game is vital. It is going to be 110 degrees in Macedonia and it is going to be a tough game. We have only five teams in our group so there are only eight games. To stay undefeated in the opening two games is the most important thing.
"We then have to make Hampden a fortress and get a couple of wins away from home."
Marshall's club form has delighted boss Glenn Roeder despite Norwich's shaky start to the Championship campaign.
The 23-year-old hopes to catch the eye of Burley – but knows he is behind Sunderland's Craig Gordon and Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
He added: "Allan is playing for Rangers and in some big games, like the Old Firm game at the weekend, so I think it is good competition.
"And Craig has done well – he hasn't even made a mistake for Scotland in the past three or four years.
"I will just keep playing away down here and all I can hope is that the Scotland manager can come and watch me and I keep performing."
Roeder has put Marshall's form down to the addition of new Norwich keeper coach Tommy Wright.
The Carrow Road gaffer said: "He has improved so much this year. We see it every day in training. I actually know that he does have a voice and can talk during a game.
"That's all credit to Tommy who has got him talking – and his kicking has improved immensely."
The full article contains 344 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
