Scotland v Croatia: Mateo Kovacic on Hampden Park

Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic is expecting a tough game against an “aggressive” Scotland side on Friday night.

The Manchester City player has had a good season in the Premier League and is likely to be in the Croatia line-up for the Nations League match at Hampden.

“I’ve played against Scotland several times and it was never easy,” he said.

“They will be aggressive and they are playing at home, and it’s never easy to play in Scotland. But we’ve worked really well this week and we hope to have a good result.”

Kovacic picked out a couple of players he knows well from his time in England as Scotland’s key men.

“I never like to speak about individual players, but since you ask Scotland are a strong team who fight each other,” he added.

“I know Billy Gilmour well from my time at Chelsea, he’s really developed in the last couple of years and I’m not surprised he’s doing so well.

“He’s a big talent and I expect him to improve even more.

“And John McGinn, it’s always very difficult for me to play against him. He’s a very tough, strong player and he’s been paying well for Aston Villa.

“He’s back for this game and he will make Scotland much better.”