GORDON Strachan has warned Leigh Griffiths not to rule himself out of a possible Russia 2018 play-off match by going over the top with his celebrations if he scores in the final qualifier against Slovenia tonight.
Griffiths is one of six players who is a booking away from picking up a suspension going into the last Group F match in Ljubljana this evening – Barry Bannan, Grant Hanley, James McArthur, James Morrison, Charlie Mulgrew are the others.
The national team need to win in the Stozice Stadium to finish second in their section and progress to a play-off and Strachan would like the Celtic striker, who has become one of his most important players this year, to be involved if they do.
Asked if he would urge the 27-year-old not to pick up a needless yellow card if he does net, he said: “That is something I’ll have a conversation with him about. I’ll need to have a word. His performances of late have been terrific.
“I just thought he was magnificent the other night (against Slovakia). His part in the goal was unbelievable. We had talked to them about pushing themselves that little bit more than you think you can. Then you see the way he stretched to get to the ball just to toe poke it through to Ikechi Anya. That toe poke won us the game.
“That’s the difference at this level. People talk about systems and tactics, but when it came down to it what won us that game? Leigh Griffiths turning, stretching even though he might get hurt and toe pokes it. That’s what made the difference. We’ve had loads of influential players, but he’s been one of the real big ones.”
Slovenia haven’t been beaten or conceded a goal in the four Russia 2018 qualifiers they have played at home and Strachan admitted it will be difficult match for Scotland to get the victory they need to progress.
“They have a fantastic record here and they’ll want to keep that going,” he said. “They’ll probably be thinking they should be in second place just now if it hadn’t been for some last minute goals.
“But to be in a position to get a place in the play-offs by winning your last game is a good position to be in. I think we all agreed at the start of the group that, with what England have got, second place would be a smashing achievement.”
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