Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas insists he firmly disagrees with Graeme Souness' hope Ukraine end Scotland's glory bid on Wednesday.
The war-torn nation have captured hearts and minds across the globe ahead of their World Cup playoff at Hampden.
Souness joined the voices who believe Ukraine must be contending at the Qatar showpiece – even if it means his own country are left on the outside looking in.
But Nicholas isn't having it and reckons the Liverpool icon is playing to the gallery with his comments.
Speaking to the Express, he said: "Graeme Souness says he wants Ukraine to beat Scotland tomorrow.
"We're all entitled to our opinions but maybe my old Sky Sports colleague is looking for more plaudits down south.
"I am certainly not in the Souness camp. I want Scotland to win their play-off semi-final at Hampden and advance to the make-or-break clash against Wales for a World Cup spot.
"I totally get why people would want Ukraine to make it to Qatar 2022 given what their people are having to go through.
"Scotland won't have many well-wishers among neutral observers.
"But in football you can't afford sympathy.
"When that first whistle goes at 8pm, Steve Clarke's players must forget about everything else that is going on in the world and concentrate on the next 90 or 120 minutes.
"There can't be any other thoughts in their minds.
"Scotland must put everything to one side and focus on trying to beat this talented Ukraine team.
"We know the passion and emotion that surrounds this fixture.
"But let's not forget it has been 24 long years since the Tartan Army last cheered on their heroes at a World Cup finals.
"We, as a nation and a team, are desperate to get back there.
"Clarke has handled the whole situation really well with his comments in the build-up to the play-offs.
"There is no doubt that his players fully grasp the importance and magnitude of this game and I'm sure that will stir them into action."
Nicholas also isn't having any of snipes aimed at Andy Robertson who was pictured soaking up Liverpool's open top bus parade on Sunday.
He's convinced the Scotland skipper will be raring to go for the big one and the 60-year-old insists the left-back has earned some leeway.
He added: "I don't agree with the criticism Andy Robertson has taken for having a couple of beers on the Liverpool open-top bus parade on Sunday.
"The Scotland captain deserves to relax a bit.
"He has just come off an epic season with his club which saw them go for an unprecedented quadruple.
"Liverpool came up just short in the title race and Champions League but it has still been a good season with two domestic cups in the bag.
"Players need a release and Robertson, above, has earned the right to enjoy a beer or two.
"There's no doubting his passion and commitment to the Scotland cause, nor his desire to get the national team past Ukraine tomorrow night and into Sunday's World Cup play-off final against Wales in Cardiff.
"Steve Clarke knows his skipper will lead from the front and put in his usual 100mph performance."
