Smith also led the Scots to a memorable victory over the World Cup finalists last year, before quitting as national team coach to return to Rangers in January.

But he believes his successor, Alex McLeish, has gone one better by stunning the French in their own backyard.

"France got to the final of the World Cup and Scotland beat them on their own ground," said Smith. "I don't think that happens on very many occasions.

"You have to put it down as the best result Scotland have achieved, I don't think there is any doubt about that."

He added: "Hopefully it will do something for Scottish football as much as anything else.

"At the moment, the football is probably at as high a level as it has been for a number of years.

"And the good thing about that is that at international level and also club level, it is Scots who are making up the bulk of the team.

"It's a nice situation for the country to be in for the first time in a good number of years."

Scotland top qualifying Group B, a point ahead of Italy and two in front of France.

The bookies still back the two heavyweight nations to progress to next summer's finals but Smith believes Scotland now have a realistic chance of booking their own place at the tournament.

He said: "At the start of the campaign I think we would all have been doubtful but we have a tremendous opportunity now.

"Sometimes we get carried away but I think this time we have a right to be carried away after gaining a result like that one the other night.

"But Scotland still need a number of points against very tough opposition and Alex will know that. I just hope everyone realises that as well."