Ukraine star pleads for second Scotland clash delay as Taras Stepanenko begs UEFA to see sense

Taras Stepanenko says Ukraine will face Scotland in June if UEFA says they have to.

But he's urged the governing body to see sense and allow them a second delay to the World Cup qualifier so they can build match fitness.

The warn-torn nation have begun stepping up preparations for their trip to Hampden which has been put back to June.

Their FA president and manager have moved to set up friendlies against domestic opposition with Manchester United and Arsenal among those asked to step in to help them prepare.

The winner of Scotland vs Ukraine would face Wales in the playoff final for a place in the Qatar finals where they would face England, USA and Iran.

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However, Shakhtar Donetsk star Stepanenko, who has been capped 69 times by his country, reckons it is unrealistic for them to play Scotland in June.

He pointed out: "We don't want to be known as victims here. We are strong and capable guys, everyone is fine and we can play 100%.

"But the question I would ask is how can we play such an important game when you haven't played a match for such a long time?

"Every football player knows that if you recover from an injury for a long time, no matter how much you work out in the gym and do running, you go