Billy Stark rates Under-21s chances as '50-50' in tense finale

With Scotland, Belarus and Austria all locked on 14 points, the young Scots must win at Pittodrie to ensure they top Group 10. The Austrians are top seeds in the group but, following Friday's 1-1 draw in Belarus, Stark insists there is also plenty of confidence within his own ranks.

He said: "It's a big, big game. We feel a sense of satisfaction that we've negotiated ourselves into a position where we can qualify. The group of players have done particularly well so far to negotiate the seven games and give ourselves a good chance of qualifying.

"I would say, the way the game is set up, it's 50-50.

"Austria are a good side and they've strengthened by bringing in a few players who have played full internationals so they will be a formidable opponent. But we can take confidence from the performances we have had until now and hopefully we can produce another one."

With both teams knowing victory is essential, Stark is anticipating a tense 90 minutes. He said: "It's a wee bit unusual in that both teams need to win and we can't take comfort and say 'well, we feel we need the win but if we draw the game then maybe we can do this or do that' - a draw is not going to be enough for either of us in my view.

"Austria are away from home and it'll be interesting to see how they tackle the game. I'm sure they're not going to run about gung-ho but they'll recognise that they'll need to threaten our goal. I think that's how they play anyway, to be fair to them. I saw them play away from home in the first game in the championship in Belarus and they were very, very attack-minded."

Stark would love to see his young players come out on top tomorrow night but has told them they must prove they deserve a play-off spot.

He said: "The atmosphere is great because they are a terrific bunch of boys.

"The nature of the squad has changed a bit, one or two have dropped out and one or two have come in as is what happens. But that same momentum has been carried forward."