Charlie Nicholas has implored Scotland to score early in their Euro2016 qualifier with Poland on Thursday.

The Scots host the Poles at Hampden Park in a crunch clash which could see them keep alive their hopes of landing a play-off spot for next summer's UEFA tournament in France.

Poland have been in strong form in recent times and for Gordon Strachan's side to get the upper hand on the visitors, former Scotland international and Arsenal star Nicholas says not conceding first is a must.

"This is a must-not-lose situation and even that might not be enough if Ireland produce a positive result against Germany," he told Sky Sports.

"Sadly I don't think we have enough to hurt Poland. They are physically stronger, technically better, but we've got a team spirit and a unit, and they simply must score the first goal.

"I'm a realist and I want Scotland to get a result and I want them to qualify but I don't feel it's the right time and that we have the right players.

"There are things that are always true about us; we get to this stage and we always disappoint. The last two games have proved that.

"As soon as the pressure comes on the team and players to get points, and the balance right to get the performances, they don't. They don't know how to do it."