Ally McCoist has urged the Scotland players to get as much rest as they can ahead of their final game in the group against Croatia after a physically and mentally draining draw with England last night.
East Kilbride's famous son was on co-commentary duties for ITV at Wembley last night, as he watched his countrymen produce an outstanding team display to take a point off of one of the tournament favourites.
And the Rangers legend - who is still the last man to score for Scotland at a Euros after his goal against Switzerland at Euro '96 - insists it is imperative the squad are well-rested for the clash with the 2018 World Cup finalists, and he expects manager Steve Clarke to go with the same 11 who started at Wembley.
Writing in his blog for bookmaker Coral, McCoist said: “The key thing between now and Tuesday is rest.
"The guys put so much into that game at Wembley, physically and mentally.
"I know Steve Clarke will be doing some light training with the boys which did not play. Those who were on the pitch though, they need to rest as the same commitment will be required for the Croatia game.
“We know Croatia are a good side.
"This is a team which got to a World Cup final a few years ago. England played well against them but they did not get many chances.
“One or two of their players are on the downward curve in their careers but they have some great players.
"Saying that, it is not beyond us. My only disappointment is that I wanted the starting XI that we went with against England to be the one in the opening game against Czech Republic.
"I think Clarke will stick with that side now.”
Reflecting on last night's result, McCoist heaped praise on youngster Billy Gilmour who took home the man of the match award on his full debut.
He added: “I am absolutely thrilled and proud of the performance. The way we played, the very least we deserved was a draw. I said before the game, we needed a lot of things to go our way and a lot of them did.
“The big difference between the two teams was Scotland played better in possession of the football. It was magical to see Billy Gilmour play so well after being given the chance to shine. He didn’t let his manager down.
“If the game was decided on points like boxing, I think we might have got the decision. I appreciated John Stones should have done better with his header which hit the post, but Adams had a good chance for Scotland as did O’Donnell.
“On another day it could have been three points. The most important thing is it gives us another chance as we know what we need to do to qualify for the last 16. I think this result will give them encouragement and I am hopeful for the next game.
“The result brought a feel-good factor back to the country. My English supporters are reminding me we did not win the game, and they are right, but we did ourselves proud.”
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