Clark says Scotland has strategies to deal with weather delays

Head coach Steve Clarke said Scotland planned to deal with any weather delays that could affect their crucial World Cup match with Brazil in Miami on Wednesday.

The Scots know a draw in their last Group C match will guarantee them a first-ever knockout stage at a major tournament.

Thunderstorms are forecast for Miami and the match could be interrupted.

Monday’s Group I match between France and Iraq was stopped for two hours due to lightning in the vicinity of the stadium in Philadelphia.

“I think we’ve probably been a little bit lucky with the weather so far,” Clark said.

“Looking at the forecast, there may be some rain disturbances.

“We have a strategy on how to deal with it. Obviously, you don’t know how long the delay is going to be.

“They’re always putting off the last lightning strike. You have to wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike, so it can just roll on and roll on.

“If there is to be a delay, hopefully it will be a short one but we have an idea of ​​what we will do if it happens.”

Clarke, who confirmed that full-back Aaron Hickey will not be fit for the match, will put aside his long-standing affection for Brazil.

“For me, as a coach, to be in a World Cup match against one of the most iconic teams in the world, Brazil… My first memory of the World Cup is probably the 1970 Brazil team,” Clarke said.

“They were absolutely fantastic.

“They were great to see a young lad grow up. And you grow up with that love for Brazil. But tomorrow night, we don’t have to love Brazil and love Scotland more.”