Dutch don’t scare Under-21s, says Stuart Armstrong

By MARK WALKER
Published on 06/02/2013 00:57

DUNDEE United’s Stuart Armstrong last night insisted Scotland should have no fear of the Netherlands in the Euro Under-21 draw because they’ve tamed them before.

Billy Stark’s side face their final warm-up before the European Championships qualifiers tonight when they face Greece in Corinth. United youngster Armstrong will skipper the young Scots in what is sure to be a tough test this lunchtime.

However, the 20-year-old is already looking forward to facing the Dutch in the Euro 2015 qualifiers, which start next month, as well as Slovakia, Georgia and Luxembourg.

Stark’s Scots have already beaten the Dutch in the last campaign in Nijmegen with a famous 2-1 win and followed that up with a draw in Paisley. And Armstrong believes the young Scots should have nothing to fear.

He said: “I think we can definitely qualify from that group. Obviously, we’ve got Holland again and that will be a tough one, but the boys did well to get four points out of a possible six the last time we played them, so I think we definitely have a chance of qualifying.

“I think there is potential here, we have a good quality of players and with the drop-outs we’ve had too, there is definitely a good depth and we have the nucleus of having a good squad. I missed the away trip against Holland the last time, but was involved in the home game. You never know.

“Everyone thought Holland would cruise the group last year, but that wasn’t the case so we will just have to try and see if we can take some points off them like we did the last time.

“A lot of our boys have quality and they shouldn’t be underestimated by any stretch of the imagination. I think it’s up for the taking.”

Armstrong helped new Tannadice boss Jackie McNamara get off to the best possible start at the weekend when United thrashed Rangers 3-0 in the Scottish Cup.

He has been impressed with the way the ex-Partick Thistle manager has gone about his business.

He said: “Yes it was a great start and a great win. The new manager has been good, it’s more relaxed than it’s ever been and I’m liking what I’ve seen so far.

“He seems to be a lot more relaxed about games and he encourages flowing football and encourages passing and wants us to try new things.”