Scotland defender Jack Hendry has 'no problem' with Neymar challenge as Brazil forward prepares for World Cup comeback in Miami

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Jack Hendry has welcomed the prospect of facing Neymar, claiming he is "comfortable" with the assignment, as Scotland prepare for a potentially decisive FIFA World Cup group-stage clash against Brazil in Miami.

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While Neymar's availability remains dependent on his recovery from a calf injury, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expects the country's record goalscorer to be fit for Wednesday's encounter in World Cup Group C.

The possibility of lining up against one of football's most celebrated talents holds little fear for Scotland defender Hendry, with the 31-year-old having previously come face-to-face with Neymar while playing for Al Ittifaq.

"Yeah, no problem," he said when asked about the challenge. "I’m quite comfortable coming up against Neymar, and I look forward to it. It really should be a good battle.

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"I think he got injured out in Saudi, he did his ACL, which was unfortunate. Obviously, I would have played against him more. I played against him in the Champions League when he was at PSG. Obviously, that was a good test.

”Obviously, the front three at that time were [Lionel] Messi, [Kylian] Mbappe and Neymar. It's a not bad front three, so it was a good experience. I think that was one of the first games they played together.

"You need to concentrate, playing against these kind of players, because one split second you switch off, they can punish you, so it was a good experience.

"You learn a lot from these moments, playing against these top-calibre players. So I look forward to it, and we’ll see if he plays."

Hendry encountered Neymar during his time with Club Brugge when Paris Saint-Germain visited in the UEFA Champions League in 2021, a contest that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Although both players have since spent time in Saudi Arabia, injuries restricted Neymar's appearances for Al Hilal and prevented another meeting.

Scotland head into their final group fixture with three points from two matches and remain firmly in contention to reach the knockout stages.

Even defeat may not end their hopes under the tournament's expanded format, but Hendry and his team-mates know a positive result against the five-time world champions would remove any uncertainty.

The centre-back added: "These are the type of games that you want to be involved in, and it’s going be extremely exciting. There’s a lot on the line, and we have worked extremely hard to be in the position that we are in, so we’re desperate to do well in that game and make it a memorable night.

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"I really enjoy playing at this level. I think it suits my game, and I’m very happy, obviously, in the minutes that I have got so far, and to have been able to help the team along the way. Hopefully, I can continue that.”

Brazil sit top of the group on goal difference after collecting four points from their opening two matches, with Ancelotti's side continuing to evolve under the Italian's guidance.

Matheus Cunha's two-goal display against Haiti has provided another attacking option, although Ancelotti hinted that tactical flexibility will remain central to his plans.

"We don’t think about knocking out (Scotland). We think about playing well and improving, and we analyse the match," Ancelotti said.

"If we can reach the first position of the group, that would be important for the future.

"Scotland has its features. It can create a problem. It created problems for Morocco today. And so we have to focus on the match, and be calm and be tranquil, and keep on working to improve."

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