McCormack: ‘Poland win won’t matter in Euro clash’

Scotland's Ross McCormack (R) takes on Ludovic Obraniak. Picture: Getty

Scott Brown fired a 78th-minute winner in a friendly arranged before the teams were drawn together in the European Championship qualifiers.

Poland were without injured Borussia Dortmund pair Jakub Blaszczykowski and Robert Lewandowski and did not seriously trouble David Marshall, although the goalkeeper made several decent stops and was grateful to see Poland’s best two chances fall wide.

Scotland had some decent possession and a couple of opportunities, including a blocked shot from McCormack, before Brown lashed a powerful first-time effort high into the net from 18 yards.

The victory stretched Scotland’s unbeaten run to five matches and they have only conceded once in that spell.

But McCormack told BBC Scotland: “Listen, that won’t matter whenever we play in the qualifiers. They have got Blaszczykowski and Lewandowski to come back in so we’re under no illusion that, because we beat them in a friendly, we will beat them again.

“It’s momentum and momentum is a big thing in football. That’s a few games unbeaten now and it’s important.

“It’s another clean sheet so the back four is growing in confidence and we believe, if we keep clean sheets, we have players in forward areas that can influence the game. It bodes well for the future.”

The Leeds forward feels a more attacking ethos has helped them build under Strachan, who replaced Craig Levein in January 2013.

“It’s hard to pinpoint anything, the boys have just been playing well and have the confidence and freedom to go and express themselves,” McCormack said.

“Everyone really enjoys coming away and meeting up. We’ve got great banter in the squad, there are a few characters in there and it’s really good to be a part of.”

McCormack started up front alongside Steven Fletcher in a 4-4-2 formation and he was grateful for the work of those behind him.

The former Rangers and Motherwell player said: “It’s always good to come away from home and get a win. I thought we were resilient. We didn’t create much going forward but I thought the back four and midfield four were fantastic and did a great job.

“We didn’t really impose ourselves on the game going forward but it’s good to be part of a winning team at international level.”

The 27-year-old is also relishing his club form, having hit 24 goals in a season in which he has assumed the added responsibility as captain of Leeds.

“I’m absolutely loving it and I don’t want to give it up any time soon,” he said. “I’m really enjoying my time there. I love the club and it’s a special place to play football. I’m really enjoying it.”