Steve Clarke has admitted a win against Northern Ireland is more important for Scotland than a strong performance at Hampden.
The winless run for the national team extended to six matches after the 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Despite an encouraging display, Scotland were dealt a harsh scoreline in the first friendly this month.
And Clarke has conceded tasting victory again is vital against Northern Ireland, even if it means sacrificing performance levels.
Quizzed on whether winning is more important than the performance levels in the friendly contest at Hampden, Clarke said: "Probably. If I am being honest, probably.
"But I think we can get both, I've got no doubt we can get both."
However, Clarke ruled out any suggestion of a significant mental impact of the winless run as he said: "No concern. Sorry to be so short but no concern."
READ MORE: Steve Clarke's club-style approach is best path for Scotland
The national team boss then admitted he had to be picked up by his players after defeat to the Netherlands - rather than the other way round.
"I think it has been the opposite way round. I think they have had to pick me up," said Clarke on the mood in the camp after the loss in Amsterdam.
"I tend to sulk a little bit longer than they do, they tend to move on a little bit quicker than I do because I have probably got a little bit more to think about than they have.
"Within 24-36 hours you are ready for the next game, looking for the next game.
"I get the feeling amongst the players that they just want the chance to get on the pitch on Tuesday night and look to improve and put right a few things that went wrong for us in the last stages of the game on Friday."
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