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McFadden says Scotland won't fear France

Scotland 3  Lithuania 1: James McFadden believes Scotland have earned the right to approach their clash in France with the belief…

Mon Sept 10 2007 - 01:00

Scotland 3  Lithuania 1:James McFadden believes Scotland have earned the right to approach their clash in France with the belief they can take something from the qualifier.

McFadden struck a glorious goal as Scotland beat Lithuania 3-1 to ensure they travel to Paris in second place in Group B.

The Everton forward has never been overawed by any opponent in his career and his natural confidence has been reinforced by Scotland's continuing challenge to World Cup finalists Italy and France.

Even defeat in the Parc des Princes would not rule out Scotland going on to claim an unlikely place in the European Championship - with games against Ukraine and Georgia to come next month. But McFadden brushed off defeatist attitudes as he looked to last year's 1-0 win at Hampden for inspiration.

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"It was the result we needed and we got it, so we have got to be happy," the former Motherwell star said. "You need confidence going into games and there is no better confidence than winning games. We believe we can get a result and I think the way we have been playing backs that up."

Scotland had struggled to regain the initiative on Saturday after Tomas Danilevicius cancelled out Kris Boyd's opener with a controversial penalty. But, soon after Stephen McManus put Scotland ahead, McFadden glided past two opponents before curling a magnificent 25-yard shot into the top corner.

However, McFadden is unsure whether his impressive cameo role will be enough to regain a starting role, with captain Barry Ferguson certain to return after missing the Hampden clash through suspension.

"Obviously Barry is to come back so there is going to be a dilemma for the manager, but it's one I'm sure he will be happy with," said the 24-year-old.

SCOTLAND: Gordon, Hutton, Weir, McManus, McEveley, Teale (McFadden 69), Brown, Fletcher, McCulloch (Maloney 76), Boyd, O'Connor (Beattie 76). Subs not used: McGregor, Alexander, Caldwell, Hartley. Booked: O'Connor, Fletcher. Goals: Boyd 31, McManus 77, McFadden 83.

LITHUANIA: Karcemarskas, Stankevicius (Jankauskas 56), Skerla, Zvirgzdauskas, Klimavacius, Semberas, Kalonas, Cesnauskis, Morinas (Mikoliunas 47), Danilevicius, Velicka (Ksanavicius 47). Subs not used: Grybauskas, Beniusis, Paulauskas, Zelmikas. Booked: Velicka, Stankevicius, Karcemarskas, Klimavacius, Ksanavicius. Goals: Danilevicius 61 pen.

Referee: D Skomina (Slovenia).