Scotland U21 coach Ricky Sbragia in confident mood ahead of Euro qualifying

Scotland finished third behind Slovakia and Holland in the qualifiers for this summer's UEFA Under-21 Championship and missed out on a play-off, having finished runners-up to the Dutch in the 2011-13 campaign.

Scotland begin Sbragia's first qualifying adventure against Northern Ireland in Lurgan on Saturday in a tough pool which also contains France, Iceland, Macedonia and Ukraine.

"I think we have a great chance," Sbragia said. "Sometimes it can be down to whether the luck goes against you or goes with you.

"But I think they have done exceptionally well over the last couple of years. They have been in some strong groups but never really looked out of place. We just hope they can carry it on. We are expecting a lot from them.

"But we are not looking too far head, our focus is on the Northern Ireland game. It's going to be difficult but I think they will be saying the same because of the experience and players we have got in the team.

"Maybe 70 to 90 per cent of them have played at under-21 level, so they know what it takes.

"Our job is a little easier as well because of their application in training."

Northern Ireland include several Scottish-based players - Kilmarnock goalkeeper Conor Brennan, recent Aberdeen signing Ryan McLaughlin, Jamie Sendles-White of Hamilton and Alloa's on-loan Celtic player Michael Duffy.

Sbragia said: "Footage is sometimes difficult to get hold of for these games but we know their players and possibly what formation we feel they are going to play.

"It's four years I have done this at the different levels and I've never had an easy game. It's always difficult. Northern Ireland will be looking for a good start as we are."