CHERRIES winger Matt Ritchie is determined not to let any international opportunities pass him by – and insists Scotland will show the same mentality. 

Ritchie’s Tartan Army have their work cut out to qualify for Euro 2016 on the back of defeats to Georgia and Germany during the last round of fixtures. 

Scotland host Poland tomorrow (7.45pm) knowing another setback would end their play-off quest after a bright start in Group D but Ritchie reiterated the importance of not getting caught up in the occasion. 

Ritchie said: “Hopefully I’m more ready now. You have to take it in your stride because you can quite easily get overwhelmed by it all.

"You’d then look back and regret not being focused on the game or what you are doing. They are massive games but you take experience from them, like you do at club level. 

“I’d like to have had more of an impact on the games I’ve played for Scotland but it is early days. 

“The best is still to come. I am focusing on the future and the most important thing is three points against Poland.”

Ritchie added: “We are training hard this week and we are positive we can get three points against Poland to keep us in contention for the play-offs. 

“Of course it would be disappointing if we didn’t make it to France but there is no point in looking that far forward because we still have a chance of qualifying.”

Uncapped Cherries midfielder Eunan O’Kane is in the Republic of Ireland squad for their home match against Germany.