Brown dossier will aid Scots, says Morrison

Published on Thursday 4 September 2008 09:44

MIDFIELDER James Morrison believes a return to "school" under the tutelage of former national-team boss Craig Brown should help get Scotland's World Cup qualifying campaign off to a good start against Macedonia on Saturday.

Brown was asked to spy on the Macedonians in their last match against Luxembourg and was then invited by manager George Burley to speak to the players ahead of their trip to Skopje.

West Brom player Morrison, 22, who made his Scotland debut in the 3-1 away defeat by the Czech Republic in May, believes the tutorial was beneficial.

Morrison said: "We had a long meeting with Craig Brown on Tuesday night and he went through their games, looked at the way they set up and what they do at set-pieces.

"The meeting lasted around half an hour, it was like being back at school, but it was well worth it.

"We watched Macedonia's last match against Luxembourg but no disrespect to them, they didn't really give them a tough match like we will.

"We picked out their weaknesses but I can't really say what they were, we'll be working on that in training. They pass the ball well and they play a 3-4-3 formation, which is different to what we're used to playing against.

"But I'm sure George will be on the training ground working on how to be effective against that.

"Their draw against England proves they are a good team and they can match the best so it'll be a massive game.

"It's always important to get off to a good start but it's not going to be easy.

"They're a proud country so we're going to need to be on the top of our game."

In addition to the talents of the Macedonia side, Morrison admits the scorching heat in Skopje will present its own problems.

He said: "I made my debut in the Czech Republic and it was as warm there as it's going to be in Macedonia, so we need to adapt to it.

"It's tiring playing in that heat. After a run you are breathing very heavily but you need to show mental strength to get through it.

"But it's exciting times for me. I'm still young to be playing international football. I've had a good year, going up to the Premier League and now on the international stage.

"I'm trying not to get overawed by it being a World Cup qualifier and will try to treat it as a normal international game.

"We need to go out with the exact same spirit and just enjoy it."