Scotland play Cyprus tomorrow night in the first of four games planned before they begin their bid to reach the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Scotland are likely to begin that qualification process in September next year, and the Manchester United midfielder said: "Because there's such a long time until the first qualifier, friendlies are important.

"If you're injured and someone comes in and performs well, you sometimes find it hard to get back into the team.

"It is important you win these games. On the other side, there are a lot of players going to be making their debuts and newcomers involved in the squad, which is going to take an adjustment.

"The most important things sometimes in friendlies are the performance levels and to show that we are still progressing as a team and taking on board what the manager expects."

England goalkeeper Joe Hart insists England are not in awe of world champions Spain ahead of Saturday's friendly at Wembley.

He said: "I watch exciting football and most of their players are at the heart of the exciting football in Europe at the moment.

"But we shouldn't get too wrapped up in looking at the opposition.

"We are a good side, with some great young talent, and will look to put a show on.

"It will be a learning experience but at the same time they are not light years ahead of us. We are not in awe of them.

"International football also isn't about always playing the top three in the world. It's also about going to some of the tougher places around the world and Europe to play some real hard games."

Netherlands striker Ryan Babel is pleased to be back in the Dutch squad for Friday's game against Switzerland.

The former Liverpool striker has been recalled by Bert van Marwijk, and on his arrival in Noordwijk, told www.ad.nl: "I am very proud and happy that the coach has confidence in me again."

Arsenal's Robin van Persie looks likely to start up front with Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar a doubt after he trained in a mask due to a broken nose.

In the other games, Georgia play Moldova, Albania face Azerbaijan, Greece take on Russia and Hungary play Liechtenstein.

Denmark play neighbours Sweden, Belgium take on Romania and Poland play Italy.

In Friday's other games, France take on the USA while Germany travel to Ukraine, and over in South America Mexico host Serbia.

On Saturday, South Africa play the Ivory Coast and Wales host Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium.