Ferguson reckons Scotland can take the heat

BARRY FERGUSON has backed Scotland to handle the heat in their World Cup qualifying opener against Macedonia on Saturday.

George Burley's men are bracing themselves for temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit when they kick-off their campaign in Skopje, before heading off to Iceland four days later.

Scotland will travel to Macedonia on Friday, allowing Burley to make full use of training sessions in Scotland, but leaving little time for the players to acclimatise ahead of the game.

But Ferguson, who is recovering from an ankle operation, insisted: "It's an experienced squad and I'm sure most of the guys who are going to start, or be involved in the game, have played in similar temperatures or even worse.

"I don't see that being a problem for the players.

"We know it will be a difficult game but I'm sure, with the squad that we've got, that we can get the three points."

Ferguson has targeted a return to the national team in November, meaning he will miss the first home game against Norway on October 11, as well as the impending double-header.

"Of course it's a big disappointment missing out, especially at the start of the campaign," he said.