McNeil predicting Scots recovery

McNeil said Scotland could still go through to the knock-out stage

Scotland's U-20 goalkeeper Andrew McNeil says the side will bounce back from their 3-1 defeat by Japan in the World Cup in Canada.

The Hibernian keeper, who was at fault for two of the goals, said the Scots were confident of beating Nigeria in their next group game on Thursday.

"I'm not sure if we overlooked Japan a bit, but they turned out to be a very good side," he said.

"We've only lost one match. There's two to play and we can still go through."

McNeil denied the Japanese attack with a number of excellent saves during the game, but was at fault for the first and third goals.

Yasuhito Morishima tapped into an empty net after a blunder from McNeil and Tsukasa Umesaki then arrowed a great low shot home from 20 yards.

Hopefully, we will make the most of the opportunity that we have left Andrew McNeil

McNeil then failed to stop Jun Aoyama's strike, before Hibs striker Ross Campbell struck a consolation for the Scots.

"It's disappointing to have such a setback, but that's football and when you fall down you have to get back up afterwards," said McNeil.

"Hopefully, we will make the most of the opportunity that we have left."

Scotland coach Tommy Wilson believed a lack of sharpness contributed to his side's defeat.

"At this stage of their season and our season they were always going to be that bit sharper," Wilson told BBC Sport.

"That was our first competitive outing of the season.

"Japan are a very good team but we didn't help ourselves by making a couple of mistakes."

Scotland take on Nigeria next and Wilson knows Scotland must take something from the game on Thursday.

"We finished the game better than we started it," he added. "And I'm sure we will bounce back."