Czech Cerny frets over Scotland match

Czech goalkeeper Cerny fears for his national team if they lose to Scotland

By John Barnes

Tomas Cerny says if Scotland beat the Czech Republic in Prague next month it will end his country's chances of qualifying for the finals of Euro 2012.

Hamilton's Czech keeper was stunned when his country lost at home to Lithuania on Tuesday in the opening game of their qualifying campaign.

Cerny told BBC Scotland: "Now everyone realises that the next match in Prague is going to be crucial.

"If we don't win that game, then the campaign might well be all over."

After drawing 0-0 at home to Scotland in their opening match, Lithuania went to Olomouc and won 1-0 against the Czech Republic in a match Cerny found painful viewing.

"I watched the 90 minutes, unfortunately," revealed Cerny.

Czech Republic is under a period of transition, trying to bring younger players through Hamilton goalkeeper Tomas Cerny

"It wasn't good football and we didn't play well.

"It was a great disappointment for everyone at home because when teams like Lithuania come to Czech Republic we expect to beat them 3-0, 4-0. That's not the case any more and it's going to be difficult.

"Czech Republic are not as strong as they used to be. If Lithuania came to Prague three or four years ago they probably would have been beaten easily.

"Lithuania has now got better while Czech Republic is under a period of transition, trying to bring younger players through."

Cerny, who has played at youth and U-21 level for his national team, has not given up hope of getting a call-up to the senior squad. The man who currently holds the number one position for Czech Republic is Chelsea's Petr Cech.

"I still hope," said the 25-year-old keeper.

"But it all depends on how I do at Hamilton. If we do really well in the league and I do well personally then I'll probably be noticed. Obviously I hope the chance will come, but we'll see."