Disparaging comments from Spain star Rodri following Scotland’s 2-0 win over the former world champions at Hampden would make a famous result on Thursday even sweeter.
The Manchester City player hit out after the game in March, calling Steve Clarke’s side “rubbish” and saying their style of play “is not football”.
Assistant manager John Carver was left agitated by the “disrespectful” comments made after Scott McTominay double sealed all three points in Glasgow earlier this year.
He believes it was sour grapes from the midfield star after Scotland won the game “fair and square” but insists the squad will go into the game with a clear head.
A draw in Sevilla would secure Scotland’s place at next summer’s European Championships with two group games still to spare.
They could still have their place at the tournament being held in Germany even if they lose if Norway fail to beat Cyprus in Larnaca.
Carver was asked about Rodri’s comments when he was speaking to the media on Monday.
He said: “I didn’t like it, I thought it was disrespectful. It is their prerogative to say whatever they want to say, whether they wanted to use that as an excuse, I don’t know.
“As far as I’m concerned it agitated me and I’m sure it would have got to some of the players but it’s been a long time gone since then and it’s about being professional and having a clear head going in to this game.
“So I don’t think it will be a distraction.
“It would (make it sweeter), any good result is sweet for sure. But after what they said when we beat them, it would be nice to win again.
“If I am being honest, yeah (it was sour grapes) because we beat them fair and square but I don’t want to give them any material they can use against us as motivation.
“I don’t want to do that, it’s about going into the game and attacking the game to see where it takes us.”
Scotland will be without Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack for the game after he dropped out with an injury.
Defender Kieran Tierney was already missing with Celtic’s Greg Taylor and Leeds United’s Liam Cooper brought in as reinforcements.
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