Pressley is just keen to make a point

SCOTLAND defender Steven Pressley insists a point in Belarus on Wednesday will represent a good night’s work.

The Hearts captain will fly out to Minsk tomorrow morning with the rest of the squad after clinching Scotland’s first win of the World Cup qualifying campaign with the 2-0 triumph over Moldova at Hampden Park.

But, after Group Five leaders Italy drew in Norway and Belarus and Slovenia ground out a point each, Walter Smith’s team will not be left adrift if they gain a point in Minsk.

However, the 31-year-old has urged his international team-mates to build on the win over Moldova to maintain the pressure on countries above them.

Pressley said: "It was a great result and a great platform to go into Wednesday night’s game against Belarus, but we need to take something from that too.

"Three points would be a fantastic result but, if we only take one, then I still believe it’s a decent result for us away from home.

"There is a great spirit in the camp and a sense of belief at this moment in time" STEVEN PRESSLEY

"There is a great spirit in the camp and a sense of belief at this moment in time, but I don’t know what is in the manager’s thoughts in terms of how we will approach the game. We played a 4-5-1 in Italy and did well there and it’s not a negative system if it’s played properly."

Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley will miss the trip to Belarus after collecting his second booking for a foul on Iurie Priganiuc. The 28-year-old was previously cautioned on his debut against Italy at the San Siro Stadium in March.

But the Tynecastle man insists he will not alter his robust style of play. Hartley said: "I knew I’d miss the game in midweek with another booking but it didn’t stop me trying to win challenges.

"It’s disappointing that I made some rash tackles but I don’t think I’m trying too hard.

"There are always going to be challenges going in the position I play and there’s always a chance you will pick up bookings.

"But I’m really disappointed that I’m missing Wednesday’s game because I want to play in every match."

Taken from the Scotsman