Strachan: Scotland Have Improved

14 October 2014, 06:18 | Updated: 14 October 2014, 06:20

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has warned Poland that his team have got even better since winning in Warsaw in March.

Scott Brown scored the only goal when the teams met in a friendly that was arranged just before they were paired together in the European Championship qualifiers.

Since then Scotland have drawn with World Cup qualifiers Nigeria, lost narrowly to Brazil 2014 winners Germany, and beaten Georgia in Group D on Saturday.

So Strachan could offer some more cause for optimism despite admitting that Poland had raised their game in the last six months, a fact he could hardly deny after watching Adam Nawalka's team beat Germany 2-0 on Saturday night.

"I saw an improvement,'' he said. "I think we all saw an improvement. Whether that's because of new players, or new attitude, we saw that. I have got to say the Polish fans were terrific, from what I saw on the television.

"So there was an improvement but we believe we have improved as well. I think it's two improving squads.

"As a manager I'm delighted with how my team is playing and I'm sure Adam is delighted with the way his team is playing.

"So it makes for a good game and hopefully it's decided by good goals and is a game to remember.''

Brown's goal in March was memorable - he struck a first-time effort from 18 yards with his left foot that flashed past Wojciech Szczesny into the roof of the net before the Arsenal goalkeeper had time to react.

But the game was a largely tame affair as both sides seemed reluctant to show their hand, knowing they would be facing each other in a more important showdown in seven months' time.

And Strachan completely dismissed the importance of his side's recent win over tonight's opponents.

"I forgot all about the game to be honest,'' he said. ``I couldn't tell you how it went.

"We have all moved on since March, we have all played games since March.

"I don't think it will make any difference. The game is all a bout what happens with players tomorrow. I think the game is determined by players, by good players and good goals, sometimes mistakes. But it's normally about players.''