Pressley talks up Scotland chances

Steven Pressley insists Scotland can stun Holland by winning their World Cup qualifier on Saturday as he bids to put painful memories of his last visit behind him.

Pressley's return to the Amsterdam ArenA will stir painful memories of Scotland's 6-0 thrashing in 2003, when the then Hearts defender and Lee Wilkie endured a troubled night at the heart of Scotland's defence. Scotland had won 1-0 in the first leg of their Euro 2004 play-off, and the crushing nature of the loss made their exit from the tournament all the more difficult to take.

Pressley said: "I think that was the disappointment of the game the last time we were out there, not just the result but the performance that night. You can accept being beaten by a better side but it's the manner of the defeat."

He added: "The one thing we must make sure we do is give a good account of ourselves as a team, that we make life very difficult for Holland and ensure they are well aware they have been in a proper game of football.

"If we do that, maintain our discipline and our organisation, we can win the game."

Pressley preferred to dwell on Scotland's victory over France in Paris 18 months ago when James McFadden shocked the hosts with a 35-yard winner.

Scotland limited their hosts to very few chances that night and Pressley believes they can do the same to Holland even if the Dutch have most of the ball, as expected.

"We need to be very well organised, we need to be disciplined in our set-up and have an understanding of our game plan," the Falkirk defender said.

"We watch the Dutch regularly, they play in an expansive manner and they generally have huge amounts of possession. But possession doesn't win you games of football. If we can retain our discipline, then I believe we can cause them problems.

"No-one gave us a hope of going to France and winning the game, and I'm sure the vast majority of people doubt we could get a result over here. But there is a confidence in the group that we can get a result."