Vogts faces sack if Scots hit the rocks

SCOTLAND manager Berti Vogts has insisted his players will beat Moldova tonight - and predicted the victory would be more impressive than Italy’s.

The German faces the sack if Scotland fail to bag three points from their Republican Stadium appointment.

There have already been calls for his head after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Norway - the first time since 1985 that a World Cup qualifier had been lost at Hampden Park.

Vogts revealed he had studied tapes of Italy’s 1-0 away win last month.

He said: “I expect a win, like I did 10 years ago with Germany, and then we will have four points like Norway.

“We have to play like we did last Saturday, with the same commitment, passion and with high speed. I have watched a lot of tapes. Against Italy, Moldova were well-organised. Italy played without passion and speed, two things we will need. There were not so many chances for Italy but there were two big ones for Moldova.”

Vogts is still bristling because of the criticism that followed the Norway defeat.

He said: “It is not helpful for the young players, for the new team. The boys are professional and I can live with the pressure being on me.

“The players when they are sitting together have discussion about the reports and that is not good. We are a small nation and people should not forget that.”

Meanwhile, departing Mark Hughes has challenged his Wales bosses not to make the wrong appointment as his successor.

Hughes is in charge of Wales for the last time at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium for the clash with Poland.

Hughes defended his reign, despite criticism of his record of failing to win nine successive competitive matches.

Leading those attacks has been John Toshack, the bookies’ favourite to take over, but a choice which would not be favoured by senior players who were angered by the criticism from the man who walked away from the job after 44 days and one match 10 years ago.

Hughes said: “There may be a few individuals who I would not like to come in, but that’s for my own counsel. I have not been aware of senior players wanting to quit. That is the players’ own choice and I have not had conversations with anyone on such subjects.

“I think the appointment is a very important one. I am sure the FA of Wales will get it right. They got it right last time.”

Former Wrexham and Swansea boss Brian Flynn has admitted he is on a shortlist of three, the others being Toshack and Ian Rush.

However, captain Gary Speed could show his hand after the Poland game, his 44th as skipper - a Welsh record.

One senior player said: “Several players could consider retiring if Toshack got the job, he has done nothing but criticise us for five years.”

The Irish Football Association are in discussions with Northern Ireland players over a pay rise and manager Lawrie Sanchez believes the matter will be resolved amicably.

A match fee of £300 a man with a £200 win bonus and £100 for a draw is the going rate. The increase will go through next month and although marginal, the terms will improve should Northern Ireland qualify for the World Cup finals.

Speaking ahead of the qualifier against Austria, Sanchez said: “The IFA have limits on what they can pay. There are discussions going on with the senior players and I am sure something will be resolved. If we qualify for a major tournament I think we are talking big money.”