Levein focused on beating Faroes

Gavin McCafferty,Pa
Friday 12 November 2010 08:04 EST
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Scotland manager Craig Levein has stressed that beating the Faroe Islands is his main aim next week despite naming an experimental squad for the Pittodrie friendly.

Levein has promoted David Goodwillie, Danny Wilson and Barry Bannan from the Under-21s and left out regulars such as Allan McGregor and Kenny Miller.

Levein has also selected Chris Burke, Kris Commons and Kevin Kyle for the first time as he named a 20-man pool for Tuesday's encounter.

But there are 14 players who were involved in his squad for the recent Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Spain and Levein wants his men to treat the Faroes as practice for their match against Liechtenstein next year.

"We want to win the game first and foremost," Levein said. "If you look through the squad you will see a lot of guys who have figured in the last few competitive matches.

"There is a strong core and I've added some guys who have hit a bit of form and also some young ones."

The Faroes, led by former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, held an in-form Northern Ireland to a 1-1 draw in their most recent European Championship qualifier.

And Levein believes the match will be a useful exercise as Scotland look to improve on their late, late 2-1 victory over Liechtenstein at Hampden ahead of the return in Vaduz next October.

"I said before the Liechtenstein game there aren't any teams in Europe just now that we can take for granted," the former Hearts and Dundee United boss said.

"They have got a very good manager who understands the British style of play. They are very well organised.

"I wasn't surprised at all that they managed to get a point against Northern Ireland.

"This will be a tough match for us. I know a lot of people will think this will be an easy fixture but I can assure you it won't.

"When I took this fixture on it was with one eye on the game against Liechtenstein.

"They're not exactly together in the rankings but they're kind of a similar standard and I think it serves a purpose.

"I go back to the start - we want to win and that will be my primary concern."

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