Slovakia manager Jan Kozak says Scotland have reaped the benefits of building a team around Celtic players as he anticipates an exciting match at Hampden on Thursday evening.

The nations meet in a crucial World Cup qualifier with Scotland needing a positive result to keep alive their chances of reaching Russia 2018.

Gordon Strachan's team looked out of the running after a 3-0 defeat in Slovakia last year but results since have turned things around.

Kozak said he could see the improvement but said his own team had developed in the same time.

"We won 3-0 after a very good performance last year and our players earned that result," he said.

"Of course, since then their coach has changed the philosophy and built the team around Celtic players so he uses five or six Celtic players in the starting line-up and then complements them with players in good form.

"So I think they have a good momentum now. They've really improved their performances and results and they're really keen."

He added: "But I think we can say the same about our team. That's why I'm really looking forward to the game tomorrow."

The experienced manager said it would be a game to remember for the players and that they should relish the occasion.

"These are the games that you really have to be excited about," he said.

"Perhaps you have played 200, 300 games in your career in the league and you won't remember them.

"These are the kind of games that you will remember and either they will be good memories or bad ones, depending on your performance."