You have to be strong, and the country is lucky to have Alex in charge
SAYS JAMES McFADDEN
The joy and relief of that win over Israel has barely subsided.
But today, the Tartan Army could have more reasons to be cheerful when the draw for Euro 2020 is made at the Convention Centre in Dublin.
Scotland are already guaranteed a play-off place after negotiating their way through the Nations League qualifiers.
That saw manager Alex McLeish emerge battered, bruised but smiling, from a torrid spell.
And James McFadden has praised the 59-year-old for having the ability, experience and mentality to cope with the demands – and criticism – he has faced in his first year back in the Scotland job.
From day one, after taking over from Gordon Strachan, Big Eck has faced a barrage of verbal abuse, and his credentials have been questioned, despite a successful career in charge of the likes of Rangers, Birmingham City and the national team more than a decade ago.
But he answered his critics in the best possible way 12 days ago when he led Scotland to the top of Group C1 in the Nations League, guaranteeing a shot at a play-off for Euro 2020 qualification.
McFadden is part of McLeish’s backroom staff, and was delighted for his gaffer when the country won the double-header against Albania and Israel to clinch top spot.
The former Scotland, Motherwell, Everton and Birmingham City star told The Sunday Post: “There was a level of expectation, rightly or wrongly, that we should finish top of that section.
“People might have taken first place for granted.
“Inside the camp, we never thought it was going to be easy.
“Albania and Israel had talented players, and they deserved respect.
“Ultimately, we got the job done and we played some very good football. We won three games out of four and we were disappointed with the defeat away to Israel.
“However, our aim from the outset was to finish first and we achieved it.
“From being involved on the inside, I’m aware of the hard work that went into this section.
“Not just from the four competitive games from September, but from the start of the year when the friendlies started and then into the trip to Mexico and Peru for the summer tour.
“It was non-stop, from assessing the opposition strengths and weaknesses to assessing our own players in the squad.
“Not only in terms of their ability, but also their level of professionalism and how they were on a human level. It’s all about attention to detail.
“That’s where the gaffer is brilliant. He leaves nothing to chance and his man-management is first class.
“I was delighted his hard work paid off. He got his reward, but we know there is still plenty hard work to be done.
“The gaffer also protected all us all when the criticism was being aimed at the set-up.
“Some of the stuff was way over the top. He never let it get in the way of his beliefs and his vision.
“A less-experienced manager might have allowed outside influences to sway him and that it is never a good idea.
“You have to be strong and focused. Alex always was strong and always will be.
“The country is lucky to have him at the helm. He is a great leader.
“The players are also right behind him.
“Yes, we had call-offs for the last two games, but they were all genuine.
“For anyone to suggest there is disharmony is totally wrong. They don’t know the facts.”
When the draw for the traditional route for Euro qualification takes place in Dublin, the top two nations from every section go straight through.
If that doesn’t happen, Scotland will have the play-off they just secured to fall back on.
It’s a nice position to be in and McFadden appreciates that. However, he wants it done in the conventional way. He doesn’t want to have to go through a nail-biting scenario next year.
Scotland are in Pot Three, and McFadden has his preferences for who provides our next competitive opposition.
He said: “You never like to look too far ahead and have an ‘ideal scenario’ because you very rarely get what you wish for.
“However, it goes without saying that I wouldn’t be overly disappointed if we drew Poland from Pot One and avoided Germany from Pot Two.
“But whether we get the best possible draw, or the least attractive, we will give all of our opponents total respect and we will be fully professional.
“If you allow your standards to fall in either case, then you will be punished, for sure.
“Whatever the outcome , we will embrace it.
“I’m a Scotland supporter, first and foremost. I share the frustration and disappointment of the entire country over not being at a major tournament for more than 20 years.
“It’s time for that to change, isn’t it? It’s time for us to create a piece of history and be there for Euro 2020.
“We can do it. We need to be optimistic.”
The introduction of a few new players during 2018 has given McFadden reasons to be cheerful.
The arrival on the scene of Scott McKenna, David Bates, Ryan Christie, John Souttar and Ryan Fraser, plus others such as Callum McGregor and James Forrest really growing into the international scene and dominating games, has been pleasing.
Inside the camp, we never thought it was going to be easy. Albania and Israel deserved respect
McLeish has integrated many new players into a system and style that is exciting and full of energy and pace.
McFadden said: “We have some very, very good players. And it’s time the whole nation started to champion them and talk them up.
“We have players operating at a high level every week for their clubs, and then on the European stage in midweek.
“They are a credit to themselves, their clubs and their country.
“If you take the likes of Scott McKenna and David Bates, they are classic examples of what I’m talking about.
“Two years ago, they were both playing in the Championship in Scotland for their respective clubs.
“Then they were the central defensive partnership for us against Israel and they both played very well. That is so encouraging.
“You can see the likes of Callum McGregor having the potential to blossom into one of the very best midfielders our country has had in a decade.
“But we also have to be mindful of the players who have been around the block and remember the contribution they have made in the past and will continue to do so.
“Charlie Mulgrew has been a stalwart, a great player and professional. He has a massive part to play in 2019 and beyond.
“Allan McGregor just makes save after save and is getting better and better.
“We then had Steven Fletcher back in the No. 9 role and he led the line very well in the past two games.
“He is a great example to all of our young strikers and someone they can most definitely learn from.
“So, overall, we are in a good place. We will keep working hard and keep trying our best to bring success to the national team.
“The gaffer will make sure of that.”