Boss George Fairbairn admits that Scotland’s rugbyleague.com European Cup clash with Lebanon will be tough – but insists the Bravehearts have put the hard yards in for the tie.

Recent recruit to the top job, Fairbairn – who hails from Peebles – was a happy man as his side despatched Italy 104-0 two weeks ago, running in 18 tries.

But the former Wigan Warriors and Hull KR star believes, with a final place at stake, the Lebanese will be a difficult proposition.

“The Lebanon clash will be a completely different game to the Italy match and both teams will go into it as evens favourites," said Fairbairn.

“There is a lot of hard work going on at the moment behind the scenes within Scotland Rugby League and it’s about moving with the times to make sure we are successful as a nation.

“We had no idea of what to expect really from the Italians, we knew they had about four to five weeks to put a team together but our lads did a great job and were very professional in the way they trained and played."