Dixon refusing to dwell on poor start (From Salisbury Journal)

Dixon refusing to dwell on poor start

7:30am Thursday 13th September 2012 in National Sport News © Press Association 2013

Paul Dixon insists Scotland will focus on picking up as many points as possible for the remainder of their World Cup qualifying campaign rather than dwell on a poor start.

The Tartan Army had hoped for six points from two qualifiers at Hampden against Serbia and Macedonia but Craig Levein's men were able to take just one point from each of their opening two matches.

Next up is a double-header away from home against Wales and Belgium next month, and Dixon said: "I'm sure we can understand the frustration but we are unbeaten and there are still 24 points to play for. We will be focused on trying to get as many of those 24 points as we can."

The Huddersfield full-back, who made his international debut against Serbia on Saturday, was keen to focus on the positives despite the 1-1 draw against Macedonia following the weekend goalless stalemate.

He added: "It's a draw, we are unbeaten again. We created plenty of chances and it's just a case of taking those chances.

"The positive thing is that we are making the chances."

Scotland may trail Serbia, Belgium and Croatia by two points in Group A but Christophe Berra refused to entertain suggestions that hopes of reaching Brazil in 2014 are all but over already.

The defender said: "I think that's stupid talk, let's be honest. There is a long, long way to go.

"Scotland, in the past, have went away and won big games so why can't we do it again?

"We've got the players to do it and we will be looking forward to it."