Scotland star explains exactly how players should treat crunch Euro 2020 play-off with Serbia

Kenny McLean insists he and his Scotland team-mates need to make sure they strike the right balance of emotion and composure when they take on Serbia for a place at Euro 2020 this Thursday.

Scotland and Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean. Picture: SNS

Steve Clarke's men are playing in the biggest game for the national team in 13 years as Scotland look to make it back to an international tournament for the first time since 1998.

The last time they came close was in 2007 when a 2-1 home defeat to Italy extinguished their chances of going to Euro 2008 and the current group of players will be out to ensure similar heartbreak doesn’t happy at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade.

Asked how the team would approach such a vital match, McLean stressed that it’s important for everyone in the squad to savour the occasion but not to get too carried away on the night.

"You need to enjoy the moments," the Norwich midfielder said.

"Of course sometimes you find yourself caught up in it a wee bit, but you need to play with a bit of emotion. Obviously not over-doing it, but if you can get that balance right then it's perfect.

"We have plenty players throughout the squad that have played in big games, pressure games, and this is when it will show.

"We have got match-winners, players that can make the difference. If we can enjoy ourselves, express ourselves, and show the work we have put in in the last year or so with the run we have been on, then the best way to enjoy it is by winning."

Scotland are on an eight-match unbeaten run ahead of their crucial contest against a side featuring the likes of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ajax skipper Dusan Tadic.

"You need to respect the quality they have got, but if you look at the way we have been performing as a unit, you need to be excited going into these games against these top players," McLean said.

"It's something that needs to excite you and if it doesn't then you are in the wrong place.

"Of course there's a lot of pressure, there's a lot riding on the game, but you need to enjoy these moments in your career. They don't come around very often.

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