The 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands came in unspectacular style, but the three points ensured Scotland remain in with a chance of qualifying for next year's finals.

The Scots were cruising at half-time after goals from Shaun Maloney and Garry O'Connor, but their standards dropped after the break as the Faroes twice hit the woodwork and threatened on several more occasions.

McLeish told BBC Radio Scotland: "It was a great win. We said it would be an awkward game and it was awkward.

"But we played the first half really well against the wind and the tactics were splendidly executed by the players."

Italy, France and Ukraine are all rivalling Scotland for a top-two finish, but McLeish said: "We've got to believe. It's for other people to make judgement on that. The proof of the pudding will be at the end of the competition."

The Faroe Islands were impressive after the break, although Scotland's tired display no doubt was a factor.

"I thought the Faroes were great in the second half. They really gave us problems," said McLeish.

"You could see that those players have worked extremely hard the whole season and they now deserve a rest."

Captain Barry Ferguson will be suspended for the match against Lithuania in September after receiving another booking, for a foul on Mikkjal Thomassen.

McLeish said: "I felt it was a bit of a harsh one. The referee delayed his decision for a while before he gave him the yellow card. I thought at first the fella was a wee bit play-acting, but I'd have to see it."

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Ferguson rued his yellow card after learning of its implications.

He said: "I just found that out. I'm disappointed to miss the next game but we've got a big enough squad to cope with that."

The Rangers skipper admitted Scotland had been made to work hard for their eventual victory.

"It was a tough shift," he said. "Our main aim was to come here and get three points. All that matters is the win."

He had been a member of the side held 2-2 in Toftir in 2002, and recalled: "The last visit was a bit of a nightmare scenario.

"(Today) they showed they're resilient and they're a good team now, and an organised unit.

"There's many a team that's come here and struggled so we're happy to get the three points."

Like McLeish, Ferguson is unyieldingly optimistic about Scotland's qualification prospects.

He told BBC Radio Scotland: "There's a confidence about the squad. The desire and commitment has remained in the squad (since Walter Smith's departure).

"Everybody is determined to make these championships and we've got every chance. We just need to win the next game against Lithuania, that's an important one for us."