Prague heat rated as fine preparation for match in Macedonia

SCOTLAND'S 3-1 defeat by the Czech Republic in Prague yesterday would surely offer Libor Sionko an irresistible opportunity to question the judgment of those Scots – including Rangers manager Walter Smith – who considered him a non-contributor during his time at Ibrox.

The former Rangers midfielder, signed by Smith's predecessor, Paul Le Guen, as a member of the notorious "Austria Vienna Three" – the others were Sasa Papac, still in Glasgow, and Filip Sebo – scored two of the winners' goals and generally delivered a performance that was immeasurably classier than anything he produced in the royal blue shirt.

Sionko started and finished the scoring during a second half in which the Czechs, having made five substitutions at half-time, increased the tempo and looked fitter and stronger than George Burley's makeshift side.

Sionko was one of the brightest of a number of home players who distinguished themselves in a victory that will bring coach Karel Bruckner a fillip ahead of their participation in the European championship which begins next week.

David Clarkson, the Motherwell striker called into the squad only on Monday, made the scoreline perfectly respectable with a well-taken goal late in the game after he had replaced midfielder Gavin Rae, but the Czechs hit straight back and Sionko restored the two-goal difference with two minutes remaining.

For Burley, the match, played in a sweltering heat of the Axa Stadium, the home of Sparta Prague, was a worthwhile exercise – it had been contracted at relatively short notice after Norway pulled out of a planned fixture – ahead of Scotland's World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins with the away matches in Macedonia and Iceland in September.

The new national team manager's only fixture before the start of the serious business is against Northern Ireland at Hampden Park in September.

Burley had seven call-offs ahead of his debut against Croatia in March and suffered another six ahead of this game.

Key players such as James McFadden and Alan Hutton withdrew through injury, along with Hibernian's Steven Fletcher and Rangers trio Kris Boyd, Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson.

Others, like skipper Barry Ferguson, were absent from the squad named by Burley earlier this month as he was forced to take into account injury and fatigue from a long, hard club season.

Scotland travelled to Prague with only 18 players, just enough to name a full bench of seven substitutes but with only five recognised midfielders and four strikers, leaving the manager short of any options when it came to team selection.

"In this situation, we're looking to build," said Burley. "We knew we weren't taking on an easy match. We know the record of the Czech Republic, that they had won their last five Euro 2008 qualifiers, including a victory over Germany.

"We were a bit disappointed with the goals we lost, but we have to recognise that they are a quality side.

"They stepped it up in the second half after they had made so many changes and I think you could see at that point the difference in the physical conditioning of the teams. The Czechs are at their peak, conditioned to the minute in preparation for the Euros.

"Some of our lads haven't played for weeks and I think it showed in the later stages. But it was always going to be a learning experience for so many of our players. And sometimes you learn more in defeat than you do in victory.

"We needed to be tested. Our first two World Cup qualifiers are away from home and the temperature in Macedonia will be similar to today. In this situation you are looking to build. We knew we were taking on a game that wouldn't be easy and we were aware of the Czech Republic's record. It was a case of getting some sort of system, giving players an opportunity and they gave it all they've got."

Burley had no doubt that the loss of six of his original 23-man squad to injury was unhelpful, but he added that yesterday's match was worthwhile because there is no guarantee that the Scots' most influential players will all be available in time for the World Cup qualifying matches.

"Of course, you want to have your best players at your disposal, that applies to every country," said the manager. "And we would like to think we will have them for the World Cup matches.

"But with the competitive leagues we have in Britain, where our players work, there's always a risk of injury. So there's no guarantee they'll all be with us. What we do know is that we have lads who are very willing to fill in and do well. Young James Morrison is just 22, making his international debut, and did very well.

"I was very pleased for David Clarkson, and I'm sure he will be delighted with himself. It's all about taking your opportunities. We were inundated with call-offs but it was an opportunity for others to impress and David will be pleased at scoring a cracking goal."

"It has been a terrific end to a very trying season for him. I think we also saw that, in Craig Gordon, we have one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.

"I think the Czechs have the best in Europe in Petr Cech, but Craig is young and I'm sure he'll be challenging Cech for the title in the coming years."

McManus left feeling hard done by

SCOTLAND captain Stephen McManus insisted their 3-1 defeat by the Czech Republic in Prague was not a true reflection of the game.

Scotland substitute David Clarkson marked his debut with a goal but it was not enough to prevent the first defeat of the George Burley era.

Former Rangers midfielder Libor Sionko claimed a double and Michal Kadlec was also on target but McManus believes the visitors were hard done by.

McManus told BBC Scotland: "We did well especially in the first half, we kept the ball very well and the Scotland fans can be proud in the way we played.

"I think the scoreline was flattering but a lot of the lads have had a long season so it was going to be a test to play in this heat and against a good side.

"David Clarkson came on and did remarkably well, scored a fantastic goal and everyone will be delighted for him to score on his debut. I've no doubt his family will be proud as punch, and so they should be.

"It's really pleasing that there are lots (of players] pushing for a place."

Clarkson is the nephew of Phil O'Donnell, the Motherwell player who collapsed and died during a match against Dundee United this year. He earned a late call-up to the international squad this week after a raft of call-offs left Burley with the bare bones of a team, but had to pull out of best man duties at the wedding of his cousin and fellow footballer Stephen O'Donnell.

Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner was content with the efforts of his players and pleased with the victory.

The 68-year-old, who will retire after Euro 2008, said: "We knew it would be difficult and it was. The game wasn't a dress rehearsal – we wanted to win.

"We saw more combinations this time compared to the game against Lithuania and our defence was better.

"As the match progressed, the quality showed and that was thanks to the players who came on in the second half.

"I also want to thank the other team for their fair play."

Angus Wright