Win over Republic of Ireland 'not a bloodbath'

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan on Monday dismissed suggestions that his team had adopted an overly aggressive approach during their 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland last week.
The Euro 2016 qualifier in Glasgow was a physical contest that Scotland shaded thanks to a well-worked late goal by Shaun Maloney.
England back-up goalkeeper Ben Foster, whose side play Scotland in a friendly at Celtic Park on Tuesday, claimed the two teams had been "kicking lumps out of each other", but Strachan disagreed.
"It was physical but fair on Friday. People said it was some sort of bloodbath. It wasn't," he told a press conference at the Scotland team hotel west of Glasgow.
"People were going toe-to-toe and respecting each other. It was a game played in the right manner."
He added: "It will be as intense tomorrow (Tuesday). I think the English players involved will enjoy the atmosphere, just as our players will do."
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher sat out Scotland's training session on Monday, but Strachan said that he could be in a position to feature against Roy Hodgson's England.
"He's not feeling at his best today. It was the same with James Morrison the other day. He wasn't feeling his best, so he didn't come along," said Strachan, who also has a concern over the fitness of goalkeeper David Marshall.
"But he'll be fine. He'll be training tomorrow when we get together."
Strachan also expressed sympathy for the family of 20-year-old Scotland fan Nathan McSeveney, who died after falling in a stairwell at Celtic Park following the game against Ireland.
"We'd like to extend our condolences to Nathan's family," he said.
"It kind of took our breath away. We got the news on the bus. We'll do as much as we can do to help them through this difficult period. That's all I can say."
Source: AFP