Scotland Boss Craig Levein Plans To Use Tactics Similar To Rangers’ Against Manchester United For Euro 2012 Qualifiers Against Czech Republic & Spain

Scotland manager Craig Levein has revealed that he is likely to use defensive tactics against Czech Republic and Spain in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, emulating Rangers' system used against Manchester United.

The SPL champions visited Old Trafford on matchday one in the Champions League, and came away with a draw after frustrating the Red Devils by playing a defensive formation with five defenders.

And now the former Dundee United boss is making no bones about how he intends to line up his players against much stronger opposition.

"I don't make any secret of the fact, as I said from day one, that my first priority is to become difficult to beat," Levein said.

"I am thrilled to bits for Walter [Smith], his backroom staff and the players, after the good start to the Champions League.

"I will pick the team that has the best chance of getting a result against the Czech Republic.

"That is a difficult match and the tactics to be used here will be similar in thought in particular to the Manchester United versus Rangers match but I don't think that is any great secret."

Seven men from Ibrox are in Levein's squad - albeit Lee McCulloch being suspended against the Czechs - and the gaffer insists he understands the rigours of having a tight schedule.

He said: "Rangers have played a lot of games and lot of big important matches but lets be honest, they are used to that.

"The reason that they are playing at Rangers and for the national team is that they are very good, experienced and durable players.

"But I'm always conscious that you are bringing in players who belong to clubs.

"I'm always conscious about looking after players and making sure I don't send them back with any injuries caused by anything that we do.

"So I will be mindful of the fact that Rangers players have played a lot of games recently."