We've Scot no chance

AS sad as it is to say, you won't find much optimism for Scotland's chances in Amsterdam in the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser office.

None of us reckon George Burley's men will score a goal, never mind achieve a positive result.

Myself and Gordon reckon Holland will win 2-0. John the boss and Tom our photographer think 3-0 to the hosts (at least) while Robbie thinks the Dutch will stick four past us.

Ian tried manfully to convince us that he believes it will be 0-0 - but eventually admitted he also predicts a 2-0 reverse for the Dark Blues.

After THAT goal for James McFadden in Paris against the French, it would be easy to let the heart rule the head and feel that anything is possible.

But it's just not going to happen, is it?

We've not played well at all in the World Cup qualifying campaign thus far, and have travelled to the land of clogs and tulips minus a host of key players.

If that's not enough to dampen the flames of expectation, looking at a Holland squad filled with talent like Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben most certainly is.

Boss Burley is right to say that tomorrow night isn't the big one for Scotland - our home clash with Iceland on Wednesday night falls into the category of 'only three points will do'.

But here's hoping our boys put on a good performance and give us encouragement for future adventures. Is that too much to ask?