Scotland Under-21 boss Billy Stark admits his first match in charge of the young national team has to be considered a "must-win" game.But Stark would have it no other way as the Scots prepare to face Finland in their UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying clash at Pittodrie on Wednesday.

And he was quick to play down any fears about the state of the pitch in Aberdeen, which was described by Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood this week as "an absolute joke" and a factor in his team's poor SPL home form.

Stark takes over a side who have seven points from four games, but Finland have a maximum return of 15 points in five matches, a run which included a 3-2 home win over the Scots.

Stark said: "The players have done well so far with two wins and a draw in the first four matches. It's fair to say Wednesday's game falls into the must-win category.

"I am relishing my first competitive game in charge. Another added factor is the importance of the match. We feel we are capable of winning the game and in terms of qualifying from the group we really need to win."

The pitch might not be ideal, with the grass thin in parts and not conducive to attractive football.

But former Queen's Park boss Stark said: "At this time of the season you expect pitches to be a little worse for wear.

"We trained on it on Monday night and it was in decent condition.

"I don't think the pitch is that bad and won't affect our style of play. You have to adapt to all different types of condition."

The tea-time kick-off for tomorrow's game will allow fans to see the game live and then watch the senior national team take on Croatia on television, but it could also impact on the gate.

Stark said: "Pittodrie has been a good venue for the under-21s, and has attracted big crowds for these types of matches.

"It is an awkward time for people to make the game but hopefully we'll get a good few thousand inside the stadium which can spur us on."

Stark will be without Steven Fletcher tomorrow, with the Hibernian striker promoted to George Burley's senior squad and set for his full international debut.

Stark has urged Fletcher's former team-mates to aspire to follow him into Burley's squad.

"Steven Fletcher's elevation to the full squad gives the players and coaching staff a good boost and can work as a platform for other players to try to reach," Stark said.

"I think in a funny way Steven may have preferred to stay in the under-21 squad and take part in this game considering its importance.

"However it's obviously an easy decision when it comes to a full Scotland cap.

I'm sure he'll get a chance and prove his worth."

Stark explained: "It's a big jump from the under-21s to the full Scotland set-up. We've got a number of players playing regular first-team football for their respective clubs.

"That's a good start for them, but it's important they maintain consistency over a period of time and shine when they play for the under-21s."

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