Scots counting on Hampden boost against Germans

The Celtic striker was limited to a fleeting appearance as a second half substitute in the disappointing 1-0 defeat to Georgia on Friday which severely dented Scotland's hopes of qualifying for their first major finals since 1998.

Ireland's 4-0 win over minnows Gibraltar saw Scotland drop to fourth in Group D and means the match against world champions Germany is almost a must-win if Gordon Strachan's side are to secure one of the two automatic qualifying spots.

Griffiths has grabbed eight goals for Celtic in a prolific start to the season and the striker hopes to bring that form into the match against Joachim Loew's side if Strachan gives him a chance up front.

"I would love a crack at the Germans. It's an honour to put a strip on for your country and if I'm selected or on the bench I would love to get on," Griffiths said.

"I don't see why we can't still beat Germany. It's at Hampden Park and we have beaten the best there before.

"We got good results against France, Holland, Italy. A draw against Germany. I don't see why we can't get something on Monday as well.

"Teams come to Hampden and tend to raise their game a bit. I don't know why. But now we 
just have to look to go and get the three points."

- 'group not dead' -

Griffiths added: "The group is definitely not dead. The gaffer came in and told us it could easily have gone the other way.

"We still have three games to play, nine points to play for. I still believe we have a realistic chance of winning them all."

Scotland suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Germans in Dortmund in the group opener in September last year thanks to a double from Bayern Munich star Thomas Mueller.

The Germans enjoyed a stuttering start to their campaign with a draw against Ireland and a defeat to Poland but moved to the top of Group D following Friday's 3-1 win over Poland, who Scotland will face at Hampden in October.

Despite the fact the World Cup winners appear to be hitting top form again, forward Shaun Maloney believes Scotland can make up for the defeat against Georgia by picking up points against Germany and Poland.

"These are two humungous games and it adds pressure, but this is why teams qualify and teams don't," Maloney said.

"I think we have to deal with that pressure and we are very hopeful that we can change the result of this evening on Monday, or on the following gathering.

"Obviously we're going into it as huge underdogs with the way Germany have played over the last year or two.

"We'll give it our best shot and see if it's good enough."

- 'passionate stadium' -

Despite Scotland's defeat in Georgia, Germany's World Cup-winning defender Mats Hummels believes Strachan's side will remain a threat in Group D.

"They are dangerous and it doesn't depend on how they played the last game," the Borussia Dortmund centre-back said.

"We know they have a good team, a strong team and some good individual players and of course a very passionate stadium.

"It will be a tough game if we let them play, if we let them have chances, the crowd will get enthusiastic and the team will always be better then."