McLeish: This is my destiny
former Rangers boss and Aberdeen defender has signed a two-year deal and been ordered to qualify for Euro 2020.
Scotland fans have been widely critical of McLeish’s appointment second time around.
McLeish said: “It feels a bit surreal but I believe I’m the guy for the job. I had to go for it because I bel ieve it w as m y destiny.
“I looked at other guys who’ve gone back to take charge of their national teams for a second time, like Dick Advocaat and Louis van Gaal, and thought that could also be me at some point.
“I believe I’m the right man. Okay, Michael turned it down but you have to believe in yourself. I can understand why fans are unhappy. You get divided opinion but the cure for dissent is performing well and getting good results.
“It’s up to me to get the guys onside. If they are a wee bit reticent at first then I just have to get performance levels from the team which are exciting for them.
“There’s unfinished business. When I left last time I wondered if I’d get another chance to be involved in something spectacular in terms of qualifying for a finals.
“It’s looking that way now because we haven’t been at a tournament for 22 years. It’s something of a massive feat but it is within our grasp.”
McLeish succeeded Smith in 2007 and came within minutes of leading the team to Euro 2008.
He recorded seven victories from 10 matches, the highest win percentage of any Scotland boss.
He added: “I did a lot of firefighting in England but I also had quite a lot of success and I’ve got a lot of experience.
“It’s the same with the squad – we have a lot of young guys coming through but you can’t throw them all in at once.
“You have to let them mature and make mistakes. But they are coming along brilliantly.
“But it’s a great period for young players to try to make an impact.
“I feel I’m a better manager now. The common-sense factor grows in you and you see things from a different perspective.”