Weir wary of Ukraine strike duo

Scotland v Ukraine
Hampden Park
Saturday, 13 October
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Live coverage on BBC Radio Scotland 810 MW & the BBC Sport website

Scotland defender David Weir says he faces a battle to keep Andriy Shevchenko quiet in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Ukraine.

Weir, 37, is expected to partner Stephen McManus in central defence at Hampden on Saturday.

"Ukraine are a top, top side. In Shevchenko and Andriy Voronin they have two world-class stars," Weir told Rangers News.

"We will have to be at our best if we are to get a win."

Scotland sit top of Group B with 21 points after nine games, one ahead of Italy and two ahead of France.

Weir, who will earn his 59th cap against Ukraine, said the Scots would not underestimate their opponents.

The Scots suffered a 2-0 defeat in Kiev last October and Weir said he expected another tough encounter.

"We played them away from home last time around so things will be slightly different when we play them at Hampden," Weir said.

"I'm sure the atmosphere will be unbelievable.

"Shevchenko and Voronin are world-class stars and they have so much quality throughout their team.

"We know it will be a tough game and we will have to be at our best if we are to get a win."

Paul Hartley and Gary Caldwell have withdrawn from the Scotland squad through injury and Weir said it was important to secure victories over Ukraine and Georgia on 17 October.

"Every international you are involved in is crucial," he said.

"But the significance of the ones coming up can't be underestimated because of our position in the group."

Source: BBC Sport