No Soft Touch
Scotland begin their campaign to qualify for Euro 2012 with a vital away game against Lithuania on Friday.
The two nations have drawn each other for the fourth successive European Championship qualifying campaign, and make up Group 1 this time around along with defending champions Spain, Czech Republic and Liechtenstein.
The well-used phrase ‘there are no easy games in international football’ isn’t strictly true when you consider the likes of San Marino and Andorra are amongst the opposition for some nations going into this campaign.
But Lithuania are certainly not one of those minnows, as the Scots have found out in their recent meetings.
The games played on Lithuanian soil in their previous three qualifying meetings have resulted in a win apiece and a draw, with Scotland winning the last fixture 2-1 in Euro 2008 qualification as well as the reverse fixtures on home turf.
Only 11 places separate the two nations in the latest Fifa world rankings, with Scotland in 41st place and Lithuania just outside the top 50 in 52nd.
The Baltic country do have some players who are well known to Scottish football fans amongst their squad.
Andrius Velicka and Marius Zaliukas are currently prominent figures in the Scottish Premier League, while the country’s record cap holder Andrius Skerla enjoyed a successful five-year spell with Dunfermline Athletic. Winger Saulius Mikoliunas had a high-profile recent stay at Hearts.
Lithuania won four and lost six of their 10 World Cup 2010 qualifiers in a tough group involving Serbia, France, Austria, Romania and the Faroe Islands.
The campaign was a mixed bag with an impressive win over group winners Serbia sitting at one end of the spectrum, but an embarrassing loss to the Faroe Islands at the other.
New coach Raimondas Zutautas has made it clear that his team should not be taken lightly in this campaign, saying: "We have to play against strong teams, but there are even stronger groups.
"We will be a tough nut to crack, especially at home. There are no invincible teams."
Qualification Again The Aim
Scotland have another new coach for this qualification battle, with Craig Levein at the helm as he becomes the latest man to try and end the current barren run which has seen them fail to qualify for a major tournament since 1998.
His reign started positively with a home win against the Czechs, but a recent defeat in Sweden – despite missing a number of players through injury – has somewhat dampened national optimism.
With Spain very much the favourites, the Scots will want to secure a play-off spot by finishing second, which – like in the World Cup 2010 qualification – certainly should not be beyond them.
As ever though, their fans will expect the worst while hoping for the best in support of their team.
Dropped points at this stage are simply unthinkable for them – a maximum 12 points are required from their two games against Lithuania and Liechtenstein, allowing the games against Spain and Czech Republic to decide their fate in the battle for the top two spots.
Levein admitted that Friday’s opener was simply crucial for his side.
"Going into the Sweden game I was pretty disappointed with the amount of call-offs, particularly in important areas of the pitch," he said.
"I'd rather have everybody fit but this time I'm fairly relaxed about the team.
"Training has been excellent and I do sense that the players understand this is a vital match for us."
TEAM NEWS
Lithuania
Midfield duo Dominykas Galkevicius and Mindaugas Panka have returned to fitness and return to the Lithuania squad.Andrius Velicka – the Rangers striker currently on loan with Aberdeen – also comes back into the fold after an injury absence, while goalkeeper Zydrunas Karcemarskas is the other change after he was previously rested.
FK Suduva striker Ricardas Beniusis was a surprise selection and may get the chance to feature from the substitutes’ bench.
Possible Starting XI: Karcemarskas, Stankevicius, Kijanskas, Zaliukas, Klimavicius; Semberas, Pilibaitis, Ivaskevicius, Mikoliunas; Danilevicius, Velicka.
Scotland
As seems to be the usual practice for Scotland internationals, there have been a number of drop outs with Andy Webster, Lee Wallace, Chris Iwelumo and Kevin McNaughton withdrawing after initially being selected.
Wolves striker Steven Fletcher is a major doubt with a foot problem, but the Scots hope right-back Alan Hutton can be fit as he recovers from a groin problem.
David Weir is expected to play in defence after being called up again at the grand old age of 40, while Paul Hartley is also back in the squad.
English-born Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks is also involved, although Rangers’ Allan McGregor should start in Kaunas with Craig Gordon injured. Regular squad members Gary Caldwell and Kevin Thomson are also out of action.
Jay McEveley and Garry O'Connor have been added to the squad to bolster Craig Levein’s options.
As seems to be the usual practice for Scotland internationals, there have been a number of drop outs with Andy Webster, Lee Wallace, Chris Iwelumo and Kevin McNaughton withdrawing after initially being selected.Wolves striker Steven Fletcher is a major doubt with a foot problem, but the Scots hope right-back Alan Hutton can be fit as he recovers from a groin problem.
David Weir is expected to play in defence after being called up again at the grand old age of 40, while Paul Hartley is also back in the squad.
English-born Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks is also involved, although Rangers’ Allan McGregor should start in Kaunas with Craig Gordon injured. Regular squad members Gary Caldwell and Kevin Thomson are also out of action.
Jay McEveley and Garry O'Connor have been added to the squad to bolster Craig Levein’s options.
Prediction
Lithuania 1-1 Scotland
Lithuania 1-1 Scotland 
