BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Christophe Berra reckons the recent rise of Czech football should be an inspiration to Scotland.
Despite star names such as Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky approaching the end of their careers – both miss out against Scotland due to injury – and a modest selection of other household names, the Czech Republic have remained competitive at the highest level.
They qualified for Euro 2016 by topping a group which included Holland and Turkey, registering a double over the Dutch and a dramatic win in the cauldron of Istanbul.
Sparta Prague are also excelling in Europe, storming into the last-16 of the Europa League with a remarkable 3-0 win over Lazio at the Stadio Olympic to secure a 4-1 aggregate triumph.
And Berra, looking to add to his 31 caps, believes there is no reason Scotland should not be looking to punch above their weight to a similar extent.
The former Hearts defender told STV: “There are no world beaters in their team. They must be a very well organised team with some quality players. Even at club level, Sparta Prague are doing well in the Europa League.
“I’m sure the manager has looked at them and maybe taken things off them that we can maybe add to our game and vice versa.
“You can always learn as a footballer, and as a manager, and whatever can make us better as a squad I’m sure the manager will try and do that.”
