Players are behind Gordon Strachan, says Christophe Berra

Christophe Berra said the players want Strachan to stay in charge for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. Picture: SNS

Strachan has refused to commit himself to the natinal team after their Euro 2016 qualifying ended in heartbreak with Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Poland, a result which, coupled with Ireland’s victory over Germany, eliminated Scotland before their final 6-0 victory over Gibraltar in Faro.

During Sunday night’s game, the Tartan Army gave the manager their support and Berra said: “The boys really like and respect him. We’ve had a good campaign. OK, we’ve not qualified, but we’ve lacked a bit of luck here and there, in certain games.

“You’ve seen by the fans’ ovation. There’s not many teams get knocked out of tournaments with great expectations and get the standing ovation that we did. I think the fans cheering his name said it all.”

Shaun Maloney, scorer of one of the six goals in Faro added: “We’d all love him to stay but he’s going to make the decision and then we’ll find out.

“Everyone in that dressing room would be very positive about him staying but in football you’re never quite sure.”