Sviatchenko hits out at Bridcutt’s horror ‘tackle’

Erik Sviatchenko has hit out at Liam Bridcutt over the ‘challenge’ that could have put him out of action for the season- or longer.

The Celtic defender replaced Daniel Agger in the 64^th minute and was only on the park five minutes when he was hammered by a late XXX-rated ‘tackle’ from the Reading born midfielder.

“I was very lucky, It was a horrible tackle,” Sviatchenko said after Denmark’s 1-0 defeat to Scotland. “It is unbelievable that I didn’t get a serious injury.

“I said to the referee that he could have broken my leg but in a split second he had to make the decision and he must have felt he touched the ball first. I was quite certain that I was first to the ball.

“He came through me with all he had- 120 per cent. I feel a bit sore in my knee but I think it is just the shock.

“I am not going to cry about it. Thankfully it is not a bad one. I have had my injuries in the past and I don’t want to be out again.”

Denmark boss Age Hareide added: “It was a horrific challenge. He could have broken Sviatchenko’s leg.

“I don’t think he meant to be nasty but I’ve seen the TV afterwards and he could have taken his career. That boy needs to be spoken to and I hope Gordon will.”

After discovering his Scottish-ness three years ago Bridcutt said: “I got a phone-call a couple of weeks ago asking if I’d be interested in playing for Scotland and to check I was eligible to represent them.

“Playing international football is a brilliant opportunity for me. I just want to progress as much as I can in my career and this gives me a great chance to do that.”

Gosport born Matt Ritchie scored the only goal of the game for Scotland in front of 18,000 fans at Hampden.