Scotland midfielder John McGinn insists belief is strong among the players ahead of their Nations League deciders despite a “confidence-shattering” experience in Israel.
Scotland need to overhaul a three-point deficit on the Group C1 leaders when they face Albania away and the Israelis at home next month following their 2-1 defeat in Haifa last week.
The Scots failed to build on their opening win over Albania and went on to suffer a 3-1 friendly loss to Portugal on Sunday after the loss in Israel.
But McGinn felt better after the encounter against the European champions and vowed to stay strong ahead of the double-header as Scotland compete for a guaranteed Euro 2020 play-off spot.
“We’ve always got belief in ourselves,” the Aston Villa player said.
“Obviously Thursday was a confidence-shattering night, a night where we all didn’t turn up and we know that.
“We had to restore a bit of pride and for long spells in the game we did that. But we know how important these next two games are. We are back to our clubs now but in four weeks’ time we will be ready for these games.
“The last couple of days were tough for everyone but when you’re a football player you need to stand strong, puff out your chest and realise criticism will come, the same way praise does.
“You are happy to take the praise when it comes so criticism is part of it, you just have to puff your chest out and show people what you are made of, and I think for long periods we did that.
“It was a short turnaround so we only managed to go over a few things, but we highlighted the main things and I think overall it was a better performance.
“We are still giving away silly goals which we all know and need to address. Overall a better performance, but still things we need to improve on for the two massive games coming up.”
Scotland boss Alex McLeish reverted to the 4-2-3-1 formation favoured by predecessor Gordon Strachan after his 3-5-2 came under much scrutiny.
When asked if the change of shape suited the players better, McGinn said: “It felt like it. I don’t know what it looked visually, but playing in it, we looked a lot more solid and created a lot more chances, albeit we only took one right at the death.
“I think it was a much more positive performance but at the same time we still gave away three silly goals.”
When asked whether he wanted the back four to stay, the former St Mirren and Hibernian player said: “That’s up to the manager and coaching staff to decide, I just want what everyone else wants and that’s Scotland back at a major tournament.
“These next two games are a big step in doing that and hopefully we can get everyone behind us and make sure coming back from Albania we have a chance to win the group at Hampden.”
