After watching under-fire manager Gordon Strachan defend his team in the media, Scotland captain Darren Fletcher said his team-mates are desperate to repay the faith.
Scotland were fortunate to escape with a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Lithuania in World Cup qualifying on Saturday but Strachan refused to criticise his players.
And his actions have given Fletcher and Co. more inspiration heading into Tuesday's Group F clash in Slovakia.
"The manager will sometimes go into a press conference and take the blows for the players. It makes us more determined," said Fletcher, who is nursing a dead leg.
"His knowledge of the game, his detail and preparation, the way he wants us to play, it's unbelievable.
"Everyone enjoys training. We are desperate to play for him."
