Smith sounds optimistic note for Scotland

Scotland manager Walter Smith has told the Tartan Army there is reason for optimism despite missing out on the World Cup.

The nation may still be hurting at the thought of missing out on the biggest footballing event of 2006.

But Smith believes Scotland will be back in action at the 2008 European Championships.

He told the Daily Record: “I know we don‘t have any right to be in the major finals, but we have to get back to the stage where we were entitled to consider ourselves strong enough to reach them.

“This will be a difficult summer for every Scotland fan because our team isn‘t going to the World Cup, but I refuse to believe we are without hope or signs of some kind of serious revival.

“I would say to the Tartan Army that we have cause for optimism and that, once we get over the disappointment of missing out on Germany, we can look forward to the new campaign.

“I‘m not saying we‘ll qualify for the next European finals, but I will be demanding that we keep ourselves in contention right until the very last game.”

But Smith was also keen to sound a note of caution.

He added: “I think it‘s great that we are beginning to replace disappointment with optimism but we are not really that well off for players.

“You could say players earn big reputations too easily in Scotland and, although they may be making names for themselves at club level, they can sometimes be surprised at the differences when they step up.

“I have to give the ones I think are ready their chances but I can‘t promote too many at the same time.”