France striker Thierry Henry believes Scotland have nothing to fear as they bid to reach the next World Cup.

The Scots beat France twice in the qualifying race for Euro 2008 but narrowly missed out on the finals.

And Henry said: “I think Scotland fans can get excited about World Cup qualifying because I don’t see why you should be scared of any team.

“If you guys hadn’t lost in Georgia it would have been really difficult for us to qualify.”

Scotland finished two points behind France in the bid to reach this year’s European Championship and a further five points adrift of group winners Italy.

A goal from Gary Caldwell was enough to stun the French at Hampden, while a wonderful long-range strike from James McFadden in Paris secured a fantastic double.

Henry, who is in Scotland with Barcelona for pre-season, featured in the first of those matches and was impressed by what he saw.

“Scotland has a good squad,” he added. “I can tell you that because we lost twice to you guys.”

Scotland begin their 2010 World Cup campaign with a trip to Macedonia in September and will also face Iceland, Norway and Holland, who thrashed France 4-1 at Euro 2008.

Barcelona play friendlies with Hibernian and Dundee United this week and Henry expects to see more evidence of blossoming talent.

The Catalan club prepared for last season with a similar trip and on that occasion Henry’s eye was caught by Barry Robson.

The former Dundee United skipper has since moved on to Celtic and scored in Barcelona’s 3-2 Champions League triumph in Glasgow.

“We played against Dundee United and he had a good game,” said the former Arsenal hero. “He kept the ball well and was dangerous in attack, so I was not surprised when he got a move to Celtic.

“This time I’m sure I’m going to see some other players who I think are good.”

Barcelona, who are based in St Andrews, take on Hibs at Murrayfield on Thursday and travel to Tannadice on Saturday.

Ref From BBC

Italy are poised to part company with coach Roberto Donadoni after their exit from Euro 2008, BBC Sport understands.

The Italian Soccer Federation has yet to confirm that Donadoni has left the post and reports in the Italian media say a meeting is set for next week.

Speculation about his future has been mounting since Italy’s quarter-final defeat by Spain on penalties on Sunday.

Donadoni, who took over in 2006, signed a two-year extension in June, which contained a get-out for both sides.

Donadoni said on Sunday: “Resign? The thought would never even entered my brain.

“I don’t have a reason. We only lost a game on penalties. You can’t say things work when you win but don’t work when you lose on penalties. We will talk and decide. It doesn’t make any sense to talk about whether I deserve to carry on.”

Italian football federation president, Giancarlo Abete, gave no clues as to whether his coach would be retained when asked after the defeat on Sunday.

“Over the next few days we will reflect and make a decision about this,” he said.

“It doesn’t make any sense to make a decision in the heat of the moment.”

He added: “In the next few days we will discuss what will happen. We’ll retrace our steps.”

Former Italy World Cup winning coach Marcelo Lippi is reported to be favourite to take over from Donadoni.

Ref From BBC SPORT