Craig Brown's Macedonia dossier

World Cup qualifier: Scotland v Macedonia
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Saturday, 5 September KO: 1500 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Scotland the BBC Sport website, highlights on Sportscene on BBC One Scotland at 2315 BST

---

Scotland manager George Burley enlisted the help of one of his predecessors Craig Brown to spy on Saturday's opponents Macedonia.

Here, speaking to BBC Scotland, Brown gives his thoughts on the visitors to Hampden.

PEDIGREE

"They are an experienced side. They've had some very interesting results in recent years.

"For example, they drew with England in Manchester two or three years ago and they've beaten Croatia.

"Last month, they lost very narrowly to Spain in a friendly match.

"So, they've got a team that will be capable but we should be able to beat them I think."

NEW MANAGER

Macedonia here to win - Shumulikoski

"They're under new management. Srecko Katanec has resigned and he was a superb manager.

"I don't know their new manager, Mirsad Jonuz, but he might change the system.

"They used to play three at the back with Katanec. I'm quite sure they'll revert to a back four, a more traditional shape."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

"Goran Pandev is the man to watch. At international level he's played 47 games and scored 18 goals. That's quite a tremendous achievement.

Pandev has a impressive goals record at international level

"He's not playing for Brazil, after all, he's only playing for Macedonia.

"There's a guy coming back into the team on the left side, Goran Popov. He didn't play in the first match against Scotland because he was hurt.

"He's a danger too, a wonderful striker of the ball from free-kicks.

"Unfortunately, we've lost one or two goals from free-kicks in the qualifying campaign."

TACTICS

"I suspect George Burley will put out an attack-minded side and I don't think Macedonia will manage to defend for the length of 90 minutes.

"I'm quite sure if we get the first goal, or rather when we get the first goal, we can go on to get a resounding victory here.

"I'm sure 'Saltire Saturday' will help because the huge support of the very enthusiastic Tartan Army will certainly help them.

"I think we'll win the game. I'm confident of that."