Hartson fears road trip will suit Scotland

Published on 11/10/2012 12:00

Wales coach John Hartson has warned that Scotland may find it easier to perform at Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow than they have done in their previous two games in the “cauldron” of Hampden.

The Scots arrive in the Welsh capital for the World Cup qualifier having registered only two home draws so far against Serbia and Macedonia. However, Hartson believes Craig Levein’s men could well thrive on playing away from the intense environment of their own ground.

“I think Scotland may well feel they can perform better away from home,” said Hartson. “I’ve played at Hampden Park during my time at Celtic and it can be quite hostile there. I just think that playing in front of a home crowd can sometimes add to the pressure. Some players cope with it, some struggle. Maybe coming to Cardiff will take a little bit of pressure off them because they are away, rather than playing in that cauldron at Hampden.”