Intro:

Gordon Strachan admits a year has made all the difference to his belief in Scotland's ability to tackle Germany in Sunday's (7th September) opening Euro 2016 Group D qualifier in Dortmund.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English): Darren Fletcher, Scotland:

"It is great to be back. But I always kind of felt I would be back. But like you say, it is a great occasion. I have never played in this stadium before. As you say, what an opportunity to play against world champions in their first competitive game. I think all the players are of that mindset. Great excitement coming here and what a challenge it is for us. And I think that you have got to look forward to that challenge and not be inhibited by it or scared by it and try and embrace it. And to see it as a big challenge and what a scalp it could be. And for me, I have been back for a while now, so the sentiment ... it is there a little bit. But I am still focused on being back and thinking that way. It is just great to be back playing for Scotland. It is my first competitive match for a long time. So as you say, it is another one (step on the way back after illness) ticked off. And hopefully keep going on from there."

SOUNDBITE (English): Gordon Strachan, Scotland coach:

"I agree with you, your opening statement that I would have felt a bit different a year ago, probably before Croatia, we played Croatia away. Since then the group have got more comfortable with each other, more understanding. I think the players we have brought into the squad have definitely added to the squad. And you say "well, is it the best time to play Germany?" I just think it is for us it is a good time for us to be playing together. It is a good place to be."