Craig Mackail-Smith's first goal in his first international start against Liechtenstein in the Rheinpark stadium tonight kept the Scots' qualifying hopes alive going into the final game against the world and European champions who are looking to complete a clean sweep of victories in this campaign.

Scotland are one point above Czech Republic and must at least equal the Czechs' result in Lithuania to book a play-off spot.

The Scotland boss, who revealed Barry Bannan was a concern with an Achilles injury and that Charlie Adam had picked up a knock, is looking to take the uncertainty away from that scenario by inflicting an unlikely defeat on the Spanish.

"Our intention was to move into second place in the table and now we are in the position where the second place is ours to lose," he said.

"We have a group of players who recover quickly, they are a fit bunch of guys and they are in a position I would have taken at the start of the campaign, where if we win the game we finish second, that's a fact.

"It is a tall order, we understand that but there is nothing for us to fear, that is the important thing, there is nothing to fear.

"We are playing the world champions, of course, but we are in the position where if we win the game we qualify.

"I believe wholeheartedly in the players and their ability to rise to the challenge.

"We can't go in the game relying on what happens in Lithuania, we have no influence over that.

"So it makes complete sense for me to do everything I can to win the game on Tuesday night.

"Of course we recognise it is difficult but we have nothing to fear and I can assure you that the lads will run themselves into the ground attempting to get that second spot."

Steven Naismith had missed three good chances before Brighton striker Mackail-Smith, playing in place of injured Kenny Miller, headed Phil Bardsley's cross over Peter Jehle in the 32nd minute to secure three crucial points.

Levein, though, played down his side's profligacy, saying: "I was pleased with how we played for long spells. What we didn't do is get the second goal which would have made it easier for us.

"It is not a concern because we were in positions to score goals and if we keep doing that we will score goals.

"But you can't compare today's game with the Spain game, they are two different matches.

"We will be ready for the game on Tuesday and we have one thought in mind and that is to win the match

"The big plus point is Craig Mackail-Smith getting the goal, that will do his confidence a lot of good.

"He is a late developer and those types of players really excite me.

"He has experience in club football and is improving and of course he will get a massive lift after scoring a goal in his competitive debut."

Levein, who will assess Miller's groin injury again this week, praised skipper Darren Fletcher who joined the squad late after recovering from a bout of tonsillitis.

"He went above and beyond the call of duty," said the former Scotland defender. "He was excellent again tonight. He can't be 100% after his illness during the week but he does it again, he turns in another fantastic performance and I am thrilled to bits."