Ukraine boss insists Scotland World Cup playoff WILL go ahead in defiant 'continue to prepare' vow

Ukraine boss Oleksandr Petrakov has vowed their World Cup showdown with Scotland will go ahead and revealed he will do anything to help his country.

UEFA are set to hold a crisis meeting after Russian forces invaded Ukraine which could impact Scotland's World Cup qualifier against at Hampden which is due to take place next month.

The Ukrainian FA have already closed down football for a month after martial law was declared and the semi-final at Hampden at the end of next month is now in doubt.

However, veteran boss Petrakov has urged the nation to unite after issuing a statement of defiance amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

He said: "Dear Ukrainian brothers, in this difficult time, we must be united, support each other and believe in our army and our Government. We are on our Ukrainian land and we have nothing to fear.

"I am 64-years-old, I have lived in Kiev all my life, I am here now, I am not going anywhere and I am ready to help my country as much as I can.

"Sport in such moments recedes into the background. The most important things are life, peace and tranquility of the people.

"I believe that after our quick victory we will continue to prepare for the decisive matches of the national team of Ukraine in the play-offs of the World Cup.

"The whole team and coaching staff are always proud to represent this great nation on the football pitch.

"We will never give up. We are all thinking about Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!"