9:19am Thursday 9th September 2010
By Steph Clark
MIDDLESBROUGH defender Stephen McManus boosted Scotland’s hopes of Euro 2012 qualification and hopes to do the same for Boro when he returns for Saturday’s clash with QPR.
The defender saved Scottish blushes when he rose above everyone to head the winning goal in the seventh minute of injury time against minnows Liechtenstein.
McManus was one of three Boro players to figure in Craig Levein’s first competitive match as Scotland manager, with Barry Robson coming off the bench to set up McManus’ goal from a corner.
Striker Kris Boyd also featured for 66 minutes, starting his first international game in three years, but he had little opportunity to make an impact.
McManus praised his side’s character for carving out a last-minute win and not panicking despite being under pressure to record a big win against their lowly opponents.
“It doesn’t matter when you score, as long as you get the goals,” the former Celtic player said.
“I think it was definitely down to character rather than luck.
“It wasn’t a classic to play in and we didn’t play at the highest tempo.
“But the most important thing is that we won the game. You would love to score early goals but you just need to keep going and that’s what we did.”
McManus, Boyd and Robson have all returned to the Riverside and should feature in Gordon Strachan’s side when they face Championship leaders QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/trade_directory/