Bedoya out to prove himself against Scotland

Alejandro Bedoya sees Friday’s friendly against Scotland as the ideal opportunity to show that he deserves a place in the United States squad ahead of the World Cup.

Ex-Rangers star Alejandro Bedoya trains with the USA. Picture: SNS

The former Rangers midfielder is back in Glasgow ahead of the clash at Hampden and keen to impress boss Jurgen Klinsmann.

The Scots head into the match desperate to continue a run of positive results and performances under Gordon Strachan and maintain the feelgood factor surrounding the national team.

But Bedoya insists the stakes are just as high for the USA players, with places in the squad for Brazil up for grabs.

Picture: SNS

He said: “We have a lot of players here, like myself, who still need to prove things to make the squad for Brazil.

“We are looking to kick on and it’s another opportunity for us to show Klinsmann that we deserve a spot.”

Scotland endured a humiliating 5-1 defeat the last time the sides met in a friendly in Florida in May 2012 when Craig Levein was still at the helm.

However, Bedoya refused to read too much into that result and says he fully expects the United States to come up against a far different prospect this time around.

He said: “I wasn’t part of the game but I remember watching it. I wouldn’t say I was surprised by what happened.

“It was after the season and the guys were enjoying themselves out on the golf course.

“It was off-season so I don’t think there’s too much to look into with that game. It will be a tougher test on Friday night and it will be a good test for us.

“I think the word being thrown around is “redemption” or “revenge” or something like that.

“It’s a better Scotland team than the one the States faced in the previous game.

“There are more players with confidence and some new players. Beating Croatia twice and getting some other good results as well has given the team confidence.

“It will be a difficult game but we want to play games like this.

“It will be a good test for us leading up to Brazil. It’s going to be more than a friendly.

“Scotland are flying with confidence and have had some good results and we’ve had a remarkable year in 2013. It will be a good game.”

Bedoya was back in familiar surroundings as the USA made use of the facilities at Rangers’ training complex.

He said: “It feels good to be back here at Murray Park at my old stomping ground.

“It’s good to see some old faces and be reunited with some of the guys.

“I used to train here a lot every day so it’s nice to be back here.”