Motherwell star Liam Kelly says anybody who predicted Scotland would be top of their Euro 2024 group at this stage would be lying – but it’s up to them to make their qualifying dream a reality.
The Fir Park skipper says this could be a huge week for Steve Clarke’s men, as they travel to Spain on Thursday, knowing a win would leave them nine points clear of the hosts with two more games to play.
If the result doesn’t go Clarke’s way, Spain winning in Norway on Sunday will see Scotland progress to the finals.
Kelly is in Clarke’s squad for the game and Tuesday’s friendly away to France, and said: “I think you would be lying if you said you would be so many points ahead of Spain, Norway, and that.
“It could be a huge week for us, it could be an unbelievable week – a big three days.
“First and foremost is Thursday night, and looking at that, it’s the toughest tie in the group. I think everybody would agree on that, Spain away.
“Then on Sunday night as well, with Norway playing against Spain as well, it’s a big game in terms of what can happen from that.
“I think after the momentum the boys have picked up, the way they’ve played, the way the manager has got us organised, it always gives you a chance, doesn’t it?
“You always feel confident, you look forward to the games. You go into the games with real hope and belief that you can get something from the games.
“As time has gone on, as the group has got better, and a lot of good players have come in – a lot of English Premier League players, at top level, Old Firm players and that – belief kicks in and you feel as though you can beat anybody.
“It’s not really a surprise, but that’s just what momentum can do for you.”
Kelly doesn’t fear a backlash from Spain for the 2-0 win at Hampden in March.
He said: “That’s something you have no control over, what Spain do.
“I know we’ll be organised, the manager will have us really organised, that’s one of the main reasons why we are where we are, so I’m really looking forward to it, now.
“We then have France away. It’s a brilliant squad to be a part of, I absolutely love it, and it would be ideal if I was going into it in a better frame of mind after a victory, but it wasn’t to be.”
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