FORMER Georgia manager Klaus Toppmoller reckons the former Soviet nation can stun Scotland again after they recalled keeper Giorgi Makaridze.

Gordon Strachan's men travel to Tbilisi for the crucial Euro 2016 qualifier on Friday.

Former Bayer Leverkusen manager Toppmoller was in charge of Georgia on Scotland's last visit there in 2007.

His decision to call up and play untested 17-year-old keeper Makaridze, along with a 16-year-old midfielder in Levan Kenia was greeted with derision.

But his judgement was vindicated after Alex McLeish's side crashed to a nightmare 2-0 defeat, before falling to a last-gasp 2-1 home loss to Italy the following month which ended their Euro 2008 hopes.

Toppmoller quit Georgia the following year after that defeat of Scotland in a row over his contract, but the 63-year-old believes Scotland could struggle again.

He said: "Scotland were a very good team and they were very, very close to qualifying for the European Championship in a group that included Italy and France.

"I got heavily criticised for my squad and I remember the media there said I was picking school children to play against Scotland.

"But Giorgi Makaridze was brilliant for Georgia that night.

"As I recall he didn't have a lot to do, but he came for all the crosses and looked a lot more experienced than his age.

"I am so pleased he has been recalled and I hope he plays again against Scotland.

"His career has maybe not been the best since that day, but I am told he has done well in Portuguese football.

"For me, I had two of my best years as a coach in Georgia. I have some wonderful memories of the place and the people.

"Unfortunately, they haven't really kicked on, but they still have some good players.

"I think highly of Jaba Kankava. I gave him his debut when he was 20 and now he is the captain.

"Georgia are capable of playing at least one very good game in the qualifiers and it could come against Scotland."