Bilic satisfied after 'great test' for Croatians

CROATIA coach Slaven Bilic was pleased with the outcome of the Hampden clash as his team prepare for Euro 2008.

"It was a great test for us, it was exactly the one we wanted," Bilic said after the 1-1 draw. "We didn't just want to play a game and that is the reason I chose Scotland. It was a really competitive game and it was like a game for points. It was a big test for us and a good one for Scotland as well."

Asked whether he believes Scotland can be optimistic about the future, he added: "Definitely. Scottish football, domestically and internationally, is not the same as it was a few years ago.

"You were in a very hard (Euro 2008 qualifying) group with Italy, France and Ukraine and went to the last game to qualify and that should give you hope and show you need not be afraid of anyone.

"This is a hard place to come to. We have a good side and it was nowhere near an easy game. Scotland are a good team."