Hartley eyes upset

Scotland midfielder Paul Hartley believes facing France is the hardest task in international football, but he feels Walter Smith’s team have a chance on Saturday.

The Hearts player insists Scotland, on the back of their current form and recent history against the world’s strongest sides, have a chance of causing an upset against Les Bleus at Hampden.

The Scots began their European Championship campaign with victories over the Faroe Islands and Lithuania to put them top of Group B.

But France are second only on goal difference after an ominous start that saw them win 3-0 in Georgia and avenge their World Cup final defeat with a 3-1 triumph over Italy in Paris.

Hartley said: “A game against France is a special game for everybody involved with Scotland. The World Cup runners-up, previous World Cup winners.

“It’s going to be a tough match but it’s one we’re looking forward to.

“We’re going into the game confident after the last two games but France are a different kettle of fish compared to the other two teams we’ve beaten.”