A draw with Scotland will suit Serbia, says Gordan Petric

GORDAN Petric believes Serbia would be satisfied with a point from their opening World Cup qualifying match against Scotland next month.

The nations begin the campaign which they hope will take them to Brazil with a meeting at Hampden on 8 September, with Craig Levein’s men keen for maximum points before hosting Macedonia three days later.

Serbia are 11 places ahead of their hosts in the Fifa world rankings, but former international Petric does not believe a draw would be a disaster in their Group A opener, before they face Wales at home in second game of their own double-header. He said: “The first game is so important for every single team. Serbia have a new manager and have some young players who play regularly for our team now. A draw would be a good score for us, but it’s going to be very difficult.”

He added: “Before, we had somebody like Stojkovic or Mijatovic or Stankovic. Now we have young players who hope to produce in every single game.

“Maybe the most dangerous player for Scotland might be Zoran Tosic from CSKA, who used to play for Manchester United. In his last four games, he has scored three goals and is probably in his best form just now.”

Scotland are sweating over the fitness of goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who suffered a groin injury during the 3-1 friendly win over Australia earlier this month. The No 1 has resumed light training and was deemed to be fit enough to be named on the bench for Besiktas’ 3-3 draw with Galatasaray on Sunday.

Petric added: “Maybe it is better for Scotland if McGregor is in goal and better for Serbia if he is not. But it’s the team who keeps better concentration during the game that will win points.”