MX23RW : Tuesday, January 7 16:56:40| >> :600:2092092:2092092:

Steven Naismith: 'Gordon Strachan has given us more freedom'

Scotland striker Steven Naismith believes that the team's improved form is down to them being afforded more freedom by manager Gordon Strachan.

Scotland striker Steven Naismith has claimed that his side's improved recent form is down to the freedom afforded to them by manager Gordon Strachan.

The Tartan Army missed out on World Cup qualification but raised hopes of being able to reach the European Championships in 2016 with a strong end to their campaign.

Strachan's side have now won four and drawn one of their last five matches, including a surprise 2-0 win over Croatia in October, and Naismith believes that a subtle change of tactics is the reason behind the results.

"The manager has given us the freedom to go and play when we've got the ball rather than worrying about the opponents and what they're going to do," he is quoted as saying by PA.

"We know what we need to do defensively but when we have the ball players are changing positions and making runs more now. That creates opportunities and we're creating more chances."

Scotland will look to extend their unbeaten run to six games when they face Nigeria at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

ID:156965: cacheID:156965:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2021:
Written by
Barney Corkhill
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan faces the media during a press conference at Sopwell House on August 13, 2013
Read Next:
Scotland to face Nigeria in May
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!