Kakhaber Tskhadadze: Georgia have a lot to play for

Georgia only have three points in their European Championship qualifying campaign, thanks to victory over Gibraltar, and face Scotland and the Republic of Ireland in the coming days as both opponents challenge for a top-two or top-three spot.

With qualification out of their reach, Georgia have one eye on their next World Cup campaign. But they want to ensure their results improve before then and do not want another defeat in front of their home fans in Tbilisi.

Tskhadadze said: "Scotland and Ireland are fighting for qualification so both will be highly motivated to get the three points. What can we counter that with?

"Our motivation is connected to the fact the team haven't done themselves justice during the campaign so far. We don't have any home points and we need to rectify that.

"We are playing in front of our home supporters and it's absolutely vital we get the win."

The former Manchester City player, who replaced Temuri Ketsbaia as manager in December last year, added: "We have been set the task of finishing in the top three in the next qualification section so these upcoming games will be used as motivation for players to show that they can compete with players at this level in the next qualification programme.

"There is a huge difference between when I first came in and the way the team is training now. Players already know what we are trying to achieve and the different formations we can play. The understanding is much better than it was in the past."

Scotland beat Georgia 1-0 at Ibrox 11 months ago and were well on top for most of the game.

Tskhadadze said: "Scotland now play very modern football. They have shattered the stereotypes of the British game that were prevalent three decaseds ago.

"They play with lots of short passes, good ball control, switches on the wings. They play a very attractive brand of football."

One opponent who is familiar to Scotland fans is Zurab Khizanishvili, who has been recalled by the manager.

The 33-year-old former Dundee and Rangers player said: "It means everything for me. It's a big pleasure to come back and play in the national team, I'm grateful for the coach's respect and trust.

"Also it means a lot to play against Scotland because I spent a lot of good times there. It is my second home country after Georgia. It will be a really good game."