Scotland forward Steven Naismith has said that Friday's clash with the USA is more than just a meaningless friendly with ranking points to play for ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifying draw.
Gordon Strachan's men will not be on the plane to Brazil for next year's World Cup, meaning that their last appearances in a major tournament was in France back in 1998.
The former Celtic boss has guided the team to three wins from their last four games since taking over from Craig Levein, and could make it three in a row for the first time since 2007 when Jurgen Klinsmann's team at Hampden Park.
"The results we have had have been brilliant [since Strachan took over]," PA quotes the 27-year-old Everton forward as saying. "We have moved on a long way but the real test will be when the Euros start and we have to be ready for that.
"There is a bit of wait [until the Euro qualifiers begin] and that is the disappointing thing for the squad and the manager, but overall we have to keep this momentum going with good results.
"We have two tough games coming up. They are not just friendly games, everything goes to your ranking as well so there is always something to play for. The USA are a really good side, they have got real quality. We are going to test ourselves against a team who is going to the World Cup so it will be an interesting game."
The draw for Euro 2016 takes place on February 23.
Michael Penkman
