Maradona: Scots need to improve

8:41am Thursday 20th November 2008

Scotland must do better if they are to reach the World Cup finals, according to a man who should know, Diego Maradona.

The new Argentina manager thought his side were a class above the Scots as they claimed a 1-0 friendly win at Hampden. Maxi Rodriquez finished off a wonderful passing move in the eighth minute but the South Americans always looked like they could step up another gear.

And Maradona believes Scotland have some work to do to reach South Africa in 2010, saying; "Scotland are a fine side, they have good players but we had a different level of skill.

"They have a chance but if they want to do that, then they will have to raise their game. It will be difficult."

While the former Barcelona and Napoli hero was slightly pessimistic about Scotland's chances, he was more positive about his short stay in Glasgow.

And he was delighted with his players' response to his first few days in their company.

"I would like to take the opportunity to say to the Scottish press that I have not had enough time here," he said.

"I would like to come back and spend more time.

"I have to spend time lifting the morale of the squad. I have managed to do that.

"There were a lot of great performances and we can be hopeful of what lies ahead for us. I'm a very proud manager."