Scotland's feel-good factor

Stunning victories enjoyed by Scotland, Rangers and now Celtic can be traced back to the feel-good factor instilled by Walter Smith as national manager.

So says BBC Scotland football pundit Craig Paterson.

"I just think confidence is the key," said the former Rangers defender. "Under Berti Vogts, Scotland took some real canings.

"Results against France and others left confidence completely depleted until Walter Smith took the reins."

In contrast to the 5-0 thrashing in Paris suffered by Scotland in Vogts' first match in charge, the present side have beaten the French home and away to top their Euro 2008 qualification group.

Rangers have beaten German champions Stuttgart and French champions Lyon.

And, on Wednesday, Celtic completed a great period for Scottish football by defeating holders AC Milan in their Champions League group.

"Walter Smith had the same players to work with than Vogts, but he introduced the organisation and structure that had not been there," said Paterson.

"Players had been going into games half believing they would not get results.

"But confidence started to rise and it was probably good for Scotland that we were drawn in the same group as the two World Cup finalists and another highly-ranked team in Ukraine.

"It is in the Scots psyche that we perform better as underdogs than when we are expected to win."

Smith was enticed back to Rangers midway through Scotland's campaign.

"The amazing thing is that losing Walter Smith looked like being a real body blow as he had changed things around single-handedly," said Paterson.

"Alex McLeish seemed to be on a hiding to nothing, but he has taken us to within touching distance of qualification, although there are some tough games still to come.

"Such a position is beyond our wildest dreams and it seems to have given the whole game a boost.

"Rangers and Celtic are at the top of the league as usual, but there has been a resurgence for some other teams as well for some reason."

That has been translated into fine results for the Old Firm in the Champions League.

"Beating Stuttgart got Rangers off to a great start and then to beat Lyon in France was a magical night," said Paterson.

"That put extra pressure on Celtic, especially after losing to Shakhtar Donetsk, because of the ferocious rivalry, but once again they produced the goods.

"It was a night for application and attitude and they never found themselves under the cosh against the reigning champions."

Paterson thought that the changing face of the Old Firm had also benefited the national side.

"When you look at their starting line-ups, you often now get seven or eight Scots when, a few years ago, you were lucky to find two - and those players can take their Champions League experience into the national arena," he said.

"It's about time Scotland qualified for international finals again, six points from two games gives Rangers a great chance in their group and hopefully Celtic find ways of improving their away form.

"There's still a lot of work to be done, but the signs are good."

Source: BBC Sport