Celtic, Motherwell and Dundee United all failed to secure a place in the group stages of the Europa League last week, while Hibernian fell at the first hurdle.

That leaves only Rangers flying the flag for Scottish teams on the European stage after winning automatic entry to the Champions League.

The focus now shifts to the national team ahead of the double-header against Lithuania and Liechtenstein but Levein insists there is enough pressure on his players without being asked to make amends for the failings of others.

He said: "There are a lot of different things going on in Scottish football just now, there is a lot of stuff happening at the SFA with regard to change. But we will talk about that later.

"There is enough pressure on the players, the internal pressure they put on themselves to perform at the highest level.

"Talking about other things, external stuff, isn't going to make much difference.

"We know what this is all about. Whether the club teams have done well or haven't done well, we will be doing our best whatever happens."

Friday's clash in Kaunas marks Levein's first competitive game in charge and it is a challenge he is relishing.

He said: "I'm enjoying having the players together and working with them.

"I'm looking forward to this week and getting the chance to do a bit of proper management and coaching.

"Part of the problem of being an international manager is that you don't get enough time with the players and get to know them as individuals.

"But, the longer we spend together, the better it is for everybody. It gives you a chance to develop relationships.

"They have arrived in good spirits and I think there will be a keenness and an edge to the players this week because this is the start of it all, this is the competitive match we have been waiting for.

"I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure the lads are as well."

Scotland may have failed to qualify for a major finals for more than a decade but veteran defender David Weir insists the current crop of players are good enough to come through the group.

"There is no doubt there is enough quality," he said.

"You only have to look at the names on the team-sheets and the level they are playing at and the experience they've got to realise there is enough quality.

"It's just a matter of producing it and doing it on a regular basis but I don't think there is any question there is enough quality there."

And he expects Rangers club-mate Kenny Miller to have a big part to play in these two matches, having netted five goals in the Scottish champions' opening three SPL games.

Weir said: "He is very important. He is a proven goalscorer and he has done it for years for Scotland. He has scored a lot of goals and he has contributed a lot.

"You can see how well he has started the season for Rangers, he is in top form. When Kenny Miller is in top form, he is a handful."